It's a summer day in Cranberryport when a  lost, hungry donkey is caught raiding Cyrus Grape's lettuce patch!

Mr. Whiskers helps Maggie rescue the donkey, which they name Eliza. But he reminds Maggie that Eliza will need lots of oats and hay to eat, and his money box is nearly empty. It's Grandmother who comes up with a plan to keep Eliza and fill the money box.

How the town manages to keep Eliza in Cranberryport makes for a sunny adventure, bursting with humor.