-trained and they generally have to live in a hutch outside.Guinea pigThe most gentle of all pets, guinea pigs are easy to handle and love human companionship. Less hardy than rabbits (they start shivering when the temperature drops below 21º) they’ll need to be brought

, then even cleaning out the hutch or goldfish bowl. But always keep a close supervisory eye.• Guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits make excellent first pets. They are easy to look after and very affectionate in return. Get them as babies as this will get them

There's more than a hint of Christopher Robin charm about Belle and Boo, the delightful creations of Mandy Sutcliffe of the cutest little girl with an auburn bob, Belle, and her pet rabbit, Boo. This sweet tale tells of a birthday surprise

Aaaarrgghh! Spider! by Lydia Monks (Egmont, £5.99)A poor misunderstood spider tries to prove his family pet credentials but doesn’t get quite the reaction he had hoped for. Lydia Monks’ tale of tolerance and understanding is as hilarious

. Needing a fairly low level of maintenance, even young children can get involved in their care (with supervision). All that is needed is a daily feed, a weekly clean and generally ensuring they are safe. And watching fish is even said to lower blood

the rope trips him up), then give him a tickle under the chin. It's up to your child to make sure her pet is well-loved, fed and watered – and of course that he gets lots of playful exercise. Your child can win points to help her cub move to the next level

Get close to nature and spend the day(and a night) wolf watching from a luxury chalet next to a wolf pack’s enclosure in the Parc Animalier Des Pyrénées. Situated just outside Argelès-Gazost, a pretty town in France’s Hautes Pyrénées just a short

Things have come a long way since the Pet Rock of the Seventies… These days the coolest pet to have is a Moshi Monster. We caught up with creator Michael Acton Smith (aka Mr Moshi) to find out why the virtual world of Moshi Monsters is one

Make a game in your family of doing secret things to help others, then have a meeting once a week to discuss what you have done to help a teacher, school friend, sibling, parent or neighbour.Send a letter or get well soon card to a child suffering

Older babies and toddlers have an uncanny ability to undress themselves, whipping off shoes, socks or headgear at - well, the drop of a hat; but it takes much more skill and co-ordination for a child to get dressed independently.WhenFrom around 15