How a lonely and unloved little dog proves his worth and so becomes a proper pet is a touching story. Scruffy and shaggy, the little dog is all alone in world – except for the fleas that never leave him. He is chased away from everywhere; no one wants to play with him just because he is so very scruffy. And then he makes a friend. When it looks like they are going to be forced to part, Fleabag steps in and does something very brave and sensible. Now he has a home, a family and, finally, no more fleas. Only the name Fleabag sticks. And it suits him!
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Award for ‘the funniest story with pictures’.
There was once a dog who had no name. What he did have was fleas, but they weren't much company. The dog longs for a family. At last he sees one that looks just right - with a brother and sister to play with him. But they shoo him away. It's not till the little boy runs away from home, that he can finally win his way into their hearts - and home.
Helen Stephens grew up in County Durham and currently lives in London with her partner and baby girl. She studied illustration at Glasgow School of Art and began working as a freelance illustrator in 1994. She worked as an editorial illustrator for a few years before writing her first book in 1998. She has written and illustrated many popular books for children which have been published worldwide in a variety of languages. Her clients include Alison Green Books, Egmont Children's Books, David Fickling Books, Random House, Macmillan, Puffin, Nickelodeon, and many more. As well as writing her own stories she has also produced books in collaboration with other authors including Roger McGough, Simon Mason and Sophie Hannah. Fleabag has been shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Fun Story With Pictures Award 2009, Blue Horse and Tilly won Best World Theme Story in 2002, Twinkly Night was shortlisted for the Sainsburies Baby Book Award 2002 and Poochie-Poo won the AOI Images Silver award 2003. Helen is a lecturer on Cambridge School of Art's MA in Illustrating for Children.