Four friends live together. Otter cooks the meals, Mole mends and keeps things in order, Hare does the garden, and Fox is the father-figure who loves and encourages them all. In other words, they are a family. When Fox becomes ill and dies, the family are bereft. They can think of nothing else, and as autumn turns to winter and then to spring, the sad animals stay indoors and can't seem to ease their grief. When Squirrel comes to visit, she begins to remember some of the funny things Fox did, and soon they are all joining in. What they begin to realise is that while they loved Fox dearly, there were things they could do better. And so they plan a special memorial spot for Fox under the willow tree where he is buried. They will use their special talents. Hare will plant a garden, Mole will make a bench, and they will sit there eating Otter's pie that Fox liked (but couldn't cook). The seasons have come round, and the family has found joy in their memories. Gliori's magical drawings are full of delicacy and light and charm.