Takes the reader on a trip to China's high country and explains what happens in a panda's world.

In 1812, ten-year-old Caroline becomes frustrated that her friend Rhonda and cousin Lydia are suddenly acting too grown up to enjoy winter fun with her, and her hurt feelings lead to dangerous decisions. Includes historical notes about growing up in the early nineteenth century.

A letter arrives for Caroline, asking her to come help her uncle Aaron and cousin Lydia on their new farm for the summer. Although Caroline is reluctant to leave her family, she's eager to lend a hand. So when she suspects that a thief has been stealing much-needed food from the farm, Caroline helps keep watch to guard against the uninvited visitor. Then she makes an unexpected discovery--and learns that some things are not as simple as they seem....