Ruskin is eleven years old and visiting his granny?s home in Dehra during his winter holidays. Follow along as he takes you through the many things he experiences during his time there?a mischievous ghost hiding in an old peepul tree, delicious baked treats enclosed within a magic box, a man with a tin box containing odd knick-knacks, uncomfortable yet exciting tonga rides, surprising run-ins with Quit India protestors, the warm company of old Miss Kellner, pretty weeds that he calls ?Purple Hearts?, and much else besides. Punctuating all these happenings is the hoopoe, a little bird with an attractive hairdo, which appears in granny?s garden at 3 p.m. every day, much to Ruskin?s delight.