Monty is a busy little boy. His mother is a doctor, so she's always busy too. With everyone leading such busy lives, it's hardly surprising that no one notices when Monty begins to feel unwell.

Whatever can be the matter with him? Young children will easily be able to identify with Monty and his vivid imagination.

Anne Fine succeeded Quentin Blake to become Britain's second Children's Laureate for 2001-2003.

Twice voted Children's Writer of the Year, she has written more than 40 books, including "The True Story of Christmas, The Jamie and Angus Stories, " and "Up On Cloud Nine."