Tessa Macintosh lives with her librarian mother, Nat, in the city suburb of Edenvale. Tessa desperately wants a puppy to keep her company and protect her from neighbour and classmate, Matteo Spiteri and his terrier, Pazzo.
Tessa finds it difficult to speak her mind, so instead of asking for a puppy, she leaves brochures, books and advertisements lying around the house, hoping her mother will "get the hint". Nat does work it out, but she hates dogs so she seeks out her friend, Pandora, who suggests a chook. Nat is delighted and presents Tessa with an eight-week-old silky bantam rooster.
Tess is seriously unimpressed. Her unhappiness increases when Pazzo terrifies her, again, and Matteo discovers her new pet, but Tessa builds a rapport with Chook and even teaches him tricks.
