Books with author Ian Duncan

Matilda loves dressing up her long-suffering dog, Basil. Day and night she parades him in a series of outfits, from tutus to superhero costumes - none of them suited to a big clumsy Labrador who would rather just wear his collar. But one day Matilda's mum decides to come to his rescue. She takes Matilda and her siblings to the zoo. As they look at the animals, she paints a picture for the children with her words, helping them to see how silly the animals would look if they were dressed up in a variety of outrageous costumes. Will Matilda take the lesson to heart and stop having dog dress-up days for poor Basil?

Immy loves thinking about make-up and fashion so much that one day as she gazes at herself in the mirror, Dad reminds her that it is what is inside that is important. Mum suggests that it would be good for Immy to learn to care for a dog who needs a loving home, so one fine morning Dad and Immy set out to adopt one from the SPCA. Of course Dad expects her to choose the cutest dog she can find, but after she looks at a beautiful fluffy poodle, an elegant, sleek greyhound and a pretty pert sausage dog, he is pleasantly surprised when she declares that she loves an ugly old dog who looks just like a bear. Immy can tell that he is lonely and needs lots of loving care. And maybe Scruffy will enjoy all the attention she lavishes on him, as she sets out to make him the most pampered dog on the street!

Although Sam, Cleo's dog, is enormous, he is a real wimp. Cleo's mum urges him to be brave because he is frightened of everything; even Punky the poodle from down the road and Fat Felix, the cat who hangs around the park. But one day when some bullies decide to pick on Cleo as she skips off to school, Sam suddenly finds the courage to defend her and also lands himself a splendid daytime job!