An endearing animal fantasy story from master storyteller Dick King-Smith. The story begins when Angus discovers a strange, egg-like object on the beach near his home. He takes it back to his family's house, and to his surprise, the egg hatches into a small creature that he names Crusoe. Angus soon realizes that Crusoe is a water horse, a mythical creature that is a blend of a horse and a sea serpent. As Crusoe grows, Angus must keep him hidden from the adults, especially from his mother, who is concerned about the war and its impact on their lives. Angus and Crusoe develop a deep bond, and the young boy learns to care for the water horse, providing him with a safe haven in the loch. When Crusoe is discovered, Angus must navigate the dangers of the outside world and the curiosity of others. This is a tale of adventure, friendship, and the magic of believing in the extraordinary. It highlights the themes of courage, family, and the beauty of nature, illustrating how a young boy’s imagination and heart can lead to unforgettable experiences.

This book has been graded for interest at 6-9 years.

There are 118 pages in this book. This book was published 2007 by Random House USA Inc .

Authors featuring on this anthology include Margaret Mahy, Allan Ahlberg, Dick King-Smith, Adele Geras, Michael Rosen, Linda Allen and Vivian French David Parkins does editorial cartoons for "The Economist," cartoon strips, and has illustrated numerous children's books. Born in the UK, David now resides in Canada.