Tom the Tamer — Tjibbe Veldkamp

Tom's father is afraid of animals. Butterflies, snails, squirrels--they alarm him so much, he won't even come out of the house. Tom decides to take drastic measures and heads to the pet shop. First he trains a polar bear and sneaks it into the house. Then he smuggles in a tiger, a squid, a tortoise, a snake, two peacocks, three hippos and a small flock of  flamingos. His father doesn't seem to notice at first but learns that his son's creativity and courage can help him conquer his fears.