A little Sicilian boy, Pepineddu, is the captain of a troop of soldiers. When his uncle's donkey disappears the boy and his friends take off in search of him. Their day is filled with adventure and misadventure, but a delightful swim lead the happy foursome to the donkey and to fame. The author's illustrations are remarkably expressive, both of the small boy eagerness and innocence of his characters and of the poor but gay country in which they live. A lyrical story which sustains suspense and excitement without sacrificing its characteristic delicacy.
