Author:Raymond Briggs
Tom refers to his grandfather as 'Collar' because he drags him around on a lead. One day, Tom decides that he will take Collar on a walk to see the puddles he has named after the members of the family, but the puddles are not there. Collar insists that this is because it hasn't rained, but Tom believes that it's just because they haven't been put in yet. He wanders off, leaving Collar talking to Mrs Whitebobblehat, and comes across just the person he needs . . . Finally, puddles restored to their full, family-resembling glory, Tom and Collar go home for tea.
The tender and surprising story is enriched by the scenery of Sussex lanes in summer . . . Briggs places magic in the context of the everyday and moves us
—— The Sunday TimesPuts sentiment, science and imagination comfortably side by side
—— GuardianA lovely blending of realism with a child's imagination and a magical world
—— The BooksellerBriggs is on top form once more with this strange and moving story
—— Books for KeepsA tale of childhood joy and innocence, this has the hallmark of a Brigg's classic, where, for a moment, reality is suspended and imagination takes over
—— Manchester Evening News