A delightful fictional story in which the author goes on a journey to find Cody, the Caterpillar in a quest to save the town of Shadyville's trees from bully slugs. Along the way, she encounters Andy, the Ant and Mr. Toady and several other charming friends, all who direct her path to Cody and his red balloon. Alas, Cody is found and he and his hedgehog friends save the town's trees.