This book is a delightful and captivating portrayal of a New England farm boy who is full of love for the trees and creeks and creatures all around him. It tells of a boy living in his present while bringing his fantasized tomorrow into his today as well. This work circles John, a young farm boy growing up in 19th century New England. The author gives an account of John's experiences to show almost every boy's adventuresome, inquisitive, creative, and imaginative nature. There are references to historical or regional events and allusions to authors and their works throughout the book.

This work is considered a semi-autobiographical story of Charles Dudley Warner's boyhood in 1830s rural Massachusetts. It contains events that depict the strengths of a young boy's vision and creativity while at play in nature with the wildlife. Heartwarming instants come about in telling of his immature romantic attractions, which he doesn't fully understand. This work is an exciting way to understand what a boy's childhood looked like back then.