Eustace Scrubb and a new character, Jill, return to Narnia to save a young prince from his evil captors. Early in the story is a small piece that almost haunts me (in a good way - like something that has become imbedded in my conscience), even as an adult. Because Eustace fails to greet an "old friend" much good that could have happened, is lost, and much work must be done before achieving his mission. The truths that underlie these sorts of details in this entire series are really wonderful.

Billy and Blaze are on a family trip out west where they encounter Thunderbolt - a beautiful wild horse that is the envy of every cowboy. Rather than trying to capture Thunderbolt with fast horses and lassos, Billy makes friends with Thunderbolt slowly and eventually gains his trust.

Billy visits with a friendly old neighbor who tells him of a quarry he used to visit as a boy the location of which had been lost to the townspeople for many years. With some clues, he and Blaze find the old quarry - a beautiful spot and a great place for swimming. They rescue and befriend a dog.