Practical present for Philippa Pheasant
(Book)

Philippa Pheasant frequently crosses Old Oak Road and, just as frequently, she is "nearly knocked pancake-flat" by a fast-moving vehicle. Her letter asking the village mayor for help brings no reply. But the sight of a crossing guard helping children cross the road to school inspires Philippa, who makes herself a similar uniform and a sign and then helps grateful animals cross Old Oak Road safely. The news travels swiftly, and the mayor's cat, Darling Treasure, decides to check out the now-famous pheasant. They are crossing the road together that night when the mayor, desperate to find his missing cat, spies Philippa's sign and slams on his car's brakes. Afterwards, he presents her with a small, official crossing-guard uniform.