The Un-Wedding (Hardcover, American ed.)

Demetrius and Paula Ogglebutt have problem parents who never agree about anything. Mrs. Ogglebutt cannot tolerate Mr. Ogglebutt keeping fish in the bath or his cows in the house. And Mr. Ogglebutt dislikes Mrs. Ogglebutt's lingerie laundry hanging from the roof. Plus he loathes her mud wrestling sisters. His idea of the perfect holiday is camping in a tent, hers is partying on a yacht. They play childish tricks on each other which results in a lot of screaming and yelling.

Paula and Demetrius think it might be their fault, so they call a meeting at school for anyone with problem parents. The meeting is packed. It is agreed that the children are not to blame if their parents behave like five-year-olds. And the perfect solution for all concerned is hit upon: an un-wedding. After the gala un-wedding ceremony, Demetrius and Paula bulldoze the house as an un-wedding present. In its place they build two separate houses -- one a vine-covered cottage, the other a baronial castle -- connected by a secret tunnel only big enough for Demetriius and Paula. And from then on Demetrius and Paula live happily ever after with two of everything.

With her trademark off-the-wall humor, Babette Cole has created a refreshing way of discussing with young children why divorce can be a good thing for all concerned -- not least of all the kids.