The story of Tarquin, a lively and jolly dog who always finds adventure. His many attempts at fame and fortune usually end in trouble until he enters a dog show and, following in his father's pawprints, wins a large silver cup. He is then kidnapped but proves himself to be a true hero. Tarquin is to feature in a second book, "Tarquin and the Jolly Sea Dogs". Andre Amstutz illustrated four "Happy Families" titles by Allan Ahlberg.