From the master storyteller comes a wonderful new tale about friendship eccentric relatives ghosts nature and the enduring magic of childhood. 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. In The Hoopoe on the Lawn Ruskin Bond weaves together a story of the joys of unexpected friendships the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of being young.