Thelma Foster has lots of animal friends. Once, a jackdaw she tamed even flew into the school hall during assembly to say hi to her! Her birthday is approaching and mum Ellen has spotted a guinea pig in Mr Garside's pet shop that will make the ideal gift. Will she be able to keep it a secret until the big day? The story is inspired by the life of the author's mum, Thelma Green, who has always kept and cared for many different animals.