Using animal characters and a cartoon style, Leedy gives step-by-step instructions for organizing a newspaper staff (Big Bear, the publisher, sees the need for a journal with local news); making assignments and gathering news (a cat hates the flood; the duck loves it); being aware of local issues (otters are leaving a dirty river); writing; features; ads; and production. An outline of more specific instructions (""If available, use a computer. . ."") and a glossary are appended. A cheerful, entertaining introduction with enough sensible suggestions to get young journalists off to a good start.