Though readers often find themselves inadvertently laughing aloud as they read Anne Fine's novels, as she herself admits, "a lot of my work, even for fairly young readers, raises serious social issues. Growing up is a long and confusing business. I try to show that the battle through the chaos is worthwhile and can, at times, be seen as very funny." In 1994, this unique combination of humour and realism inspired the hit movie MRS. DOUBTFIRE, based on Anne's novel MADAME DOUBTFIRE and starring the late comedic genius Robin Williams.

Tuffy is grounded for his behaviour. Can you write a new story about a pet who is grounded for their bad behaviour?

Absolutely hilarious, perfect as a family read-aloud. The characters are expertly drawn, and Tuffy's protestations about how it wasn't his fault are just brilliant. Highly recommended. Another writing task that could be initiated in using this book, could be one that involves writing in a different form. Called a diary, this book could be used to trigger an activity that involves writing in the form of a diary. Questions such as: How do you structure a diary? How would you structure yours? Using dates, times? Would you name your diary, and write to them?: are all questions can be posed in the lesson to help children think about the different forms a diary can take in itself. Can soft-hearted Ellie manage to get her beloved pet to change his wild, wild ways before he ends up in even deeper trouble? Poor Ellie is horrified when her pet cat, Tuffy, drags a dead bird into the house. But Tuffy can't understand what the fuss is about. Who will be the next victim of Tuffy, the killer cat?

The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine is a book for younger children. It was first published in 1994. There are a number of books in the ‘Killer Cat’ series. Can you write a new story involving the character?

If you like this book, here are some other books you might enjoy - including the further adventures of Tuffy the Killer Cat.