Who has stolen the treat from the very top of King Lion's birthday cake? Tarantula has made a delicious birthday cake for King Lion - from meat! On top, he places an extra - tender joint of beef, but t he moment Tarantula turns his back , the treat disappears. Who is the beef thief? Tarantula sets off to find out. He looks inside the mouths of all the animals going to the king's party. He finds Gorilla tasting banana soup, Hornbill drinking fig - pip punch and Bat testing crunchy beetle snacks, but he doesn't discover the surprising beef thief until the party is just about to start. Marlies Verhelst 's story is full of pace and humour. Chi ldren will relish the dishes the animals prepare for the feast. Linde Faas' illustrations are full of a sketchy energy and capture the cheeky character of each animal.