Chapters 1-2 Summary

Chapter 1, Part 1: Henny Comes Home

The reader is introduced to the Pollit family. Henny comes home from a day out shopping. The children are playing, being chaperoned by 11 ½ year-old Louisa, also known as Louie. The children play outside Tohoga House, the family home.

Sam Pollit is out on an expedition. Sam is a naturalist with a great fondness for lizards, salamanders and the like. Since Henny has been in town, Louie takes charge of her younger half-siblings. When Henny and Sam are around, Louie is strict and rigid with the children. When the parents are away, Louie is a fun and benevolent caretaker.

When Henny comes home, the children flock around her wanting to know what is in the package. Henny has spent $2.34 - what did she buy? The children are relentless. Louie is sent off to make tea for Henny...