Danny desperately wants a friend. When the unusual pet shop keeper divines that it is a friend he wants rather than a pet, he offers to rent him one for a stick of chewing gum, three marbles, and a few coins. The first friend to arrive turns out to be so popular that Danny never sees him. The second is such a wimp that he clings, and the third, Stephen, seems entirely unsuitable because he uses a wheelchair. But when Danny gets to know Stephen better, he learns that he is full of energy and enterprise and is the best possible friend. Riddell's marvelous, quirky illustrations add greatly to a good story.