일상생활 속에서 상상의 세계를 찾아내는 어린이의 마음을 담아냈다. 엄마 심부름을 간 스티븐은 가게에서 나오던 길에 곰, 원숭이, 캥거루 등의 동물을 만나 억지 요구를 하는 그들을 보기 좋게 골탕 먹인다. 글과 그림이 엇박자로 돼 있는 반복 구조로 다음 페이지에 대한 호기심을 갖게 해준다.

Steven is sent out for groceries on to the mean street of the city with only a shopping basket for protection. There are several shady characters about who are offering to lighten the load of the basket by helping themselves to his provisions! Stephen's having none of it and with the help of some of the city's less attractive sights he outsmarts all of them and makes it home in time for tea. With the pictures telling as much of the story as the text, children and adults alike will appreciate the humour and observations from this well known children's author.