In Babylon, the people feel obliged to bring food in abundance for the mythical beast that lives in the temple. The wise Daniel says that the beast is just a statue and doesn’t need the offerings.

The priests are furious, and Daniel is given one night to prove the truth of his claims.

Roger McGough is one of Britain’s best-loved poets. His collections for adults and children include Pillow Talk (Puffin), Bad, Bad Cats (Penguin), Everyday Eclipses (Viking) and The Kite and Caitlin (Red Fox).

Jill Newton has illustrated many books for children, including Bored, Bored, Bored (Bloomsbury), By the Light of the Moon (Ladybird) and In the Beginning (Lion).