You don't have enough space for a dog or cat, or just feel like something a bit different. How about being amused, entertained and learn from a ferret? Maybe a cricket or some snails? Perhaps you've got a particular desire to keep a black-hooded rat or a green tree frog. If you're interested in something other than your everyday schnauzer or Siamese cat, then Alternative Pets is for you. Did you know that ferrets can be house trained? That blue-tongued lizards love strawberries? Or that goldfish can be taught to swim through a hoop?

Robin Stewart has put together one of the more unusual and practical how-to guides for kids that we've seen for ages.