A Chinese boy shares sweet memories of growing up with his grandfather in a small mountain village--including caring for the farm animals and protecting them from a hungry wolf. To this day, the boy carries with him not only these memories, but the habits his grandfather instilled in him for a happy life.
A boy and his family flee their southern China town during wartime. With the Japanese army not far behind them, the mother falls ill. She forces the family to continue on without her and gives the boy one final gift--a red, oil-paper umbrella. Years later, the umbrella's delicate beauty floods the boy with memories of his mother who, to him, was the most beautiful mother in the world.
The narrative follows an American family as they welcome a cat named Dolly into their home. Through their experiences with Dolly, themes of love, companionship, and the transformative power of pets emerge, illustrating the bond that develops between the family and their new feline member. The story captures the joys and challenges of pet ownership, highlighting how Dolly becomes an integral part of their lives.