Children's writer Anna Wilson was having her hair cut in Bradford on Avon when she got the idea for her new book.

In fact the idea came initially from members of the Courtyard Hair and Beauty salon in Bradford who suggested that Anna should write about them. But Anna, who has already written stories for children involving puppies and kittens, said that a dog would have to come into the story.

As a result of Anna's trip to the Courtyard the new Pooch Parlour series, introducing a brand new cast of very cute and very funny characters both canine and human came into being.

Anna will be launching the new book The Poodle Problem at Waterstone's Bath on February 7 at 6pm when she will be talking about the book and her local inspiration. Go along then and you can get your paws on the first signed copies, activity sheets, posters and more.

In the new book Pippa Peppercorn is ten and a quarter. She loves helping out at the only hair salon in the quiet town of Crumbly-Under-Edge.

It's a cosy joint run by the cuddly Mrs Semolina Ribena Fudge, where customers and their pets stop by as much for the tea and sympathy as for a trim. But when rival beautician Trinity Meddler comes to town and sets up shop, Mrs Fudge is in danger of losing her customers.

What's more, Trinity has a sinister plan up her sleeve – involving oodles of poodles. Luckily Dash the talking dachshund, with a nose for sniffing out a good mystery, is on hand to save the day – with Pippa as his number one assistant.

Anna is both a cat and dog type of person. She lives in Bradford on Avon with her husband, two children, two cats, some chickens and a dog. She is the author of Puppy Love, Pup Idol, Puppy Power, Puppy Party, Kitten Kaboodle, Kitten Smitten, Kitten Cupid and Monkey Business – all for Macmillan Children's Books.

The Poodle Problem by Anna Wilson is published by Macmillan at £5.99.