The weather was unusually hot, even though Thanksgiving was right around the corner. Isabel and Richard were sad because their friend, Hoggle had moved away-probably for good. Who would fly kites with them, or lead them into dark caves full of dinosaur fossils, or help them play the magical drums that changed the weather? When Hoggle sends a box with the drums, drumsticks, and strange masks inside, along with a note telling Isabel and Richard to play the music he had taught them so that they will have a surprise for Christmas, six-year-old Isabel is sure the surprise will be Hoggle's return. Her older brother, Richard, doesn't know what to think, but they play the drums every day. Finally, something does come-something they don't see very often-giving them a very special Christmas.