Dick King-Smith, beloved author of Babe: The Gallant Pig,  returns with a witty and touching tale about the different shapes and sizes a family can take. When Archibald Peregrine Edmund Spring-Russell (Ape, for short) finds himself living alone for the first time in his life, he's finally free to do exactly as he pleases. And nothing pleases this wealthy old English gentleman with an enormous estate and a Rolls-Royce more than buying twelve big, beautiful brown hens to keep in the living room. But Ape doesn't stop there. Soon there are rabbits and guinea pigs in the dining room, canaries in the music room, a noisy talking parrot in the kitchen, and a puppy who seems to be everywhere! Just when Ape's house is about to burst with little beasties, Joe and Jake--father and son Gypsies--lend a helping hand. But it takes a household disaster for Ape to realize he finally has the family he never had. With trademark Dick King-Smith humor, short chapters, and large type, this easy-to-read story is perfect for independent readers.