Things have a way of coming along to stir up this family. It always happens.

Norah Meadows is worried that her father and brother will become lonely now that she and Wally have moved out of Billabong into their own house. Her anxiety, however, is soon dispelled when someone comes along to liven things up. Percival Blake, to be exact. Aged nine.

The arrival of rebellious, red-headed young Percival at Billabong immediately puts the whole household on edge. How does Percival find his name changed to 'Bill'? What happens when he tries to change the colour of his hair? And how does he become drawn into perilous adventure in the rocky ranges? His escapades fill a few memorable weeks of summer, in the course of which Billabong gains a new adopted son, and no-one has time to feel the least bit lonely.