The Chestry Oak features a contrasting set of Hungarian and American characters. Prince Michael, a bright and precocious six-year-old early in the story, shows a mixture of assertiveness and dependence typical of his age, enjoying the protectiveness of his nurse while trying to be more independent. He is eager to show his father how well he can handle a horse, but his father, the old Prince, is preoccupied with the difficult affairs of war and cannot give his son the time and attention he needs.

Young Michael is very proud of his Chestry heritage, and on his seventh birthday, he plans to follow the family tradition of planting an acorn alongside the venerable old Chestry oak on his family's estate.

Unfortunately, the Nazi occupation of the castle complicates Michael's life. His English tutor and French governess are forced to flee, to be replaced by...