The Parker children's home becomes a battlefield because they want a pet while their mother declares that she will have no gerbils in her house.

Dog So Small

by Philippa Pearce

Published December 1962
Ben Blewitt is desperate for a dog. He's picked out the biggest and best dogs from the books in the library - and he just knows he's going to get one for his birthday. Ben is excited when the big day arrives, but he receives a picture of a dog instead of a real one! But the imagination can be a powerful thing, and when Ben puts his to work, his adventures really begin!