John had lots of friends at school, but at home he often felt very lonely as he had no brothers or sisters. Most of his friends had pets, but John’s mum and dad wouldn’t allow them in their home.

One day John’s friend Pete had to go to the farm for his mum and John went with him. While they were there the farmer showed them his hens with their new-born chicks. The farmer saw John loved them and gave him two little chicks as a present. Without thinking what his mum would say, John took them home in a little box.

John’s mum was very, very cross with him and told him to put the chicks in the kitchen for the night and take them back to the farm in the morning. John was so miserable. He really wanted to keep them but during the night something happened that changed everything. I wonder what it was – you’ll have to read the book to find out!