Book excerpt: Chucky and Mother were home the day the deliveryman brought the crate into their living room. They could not imagine what might be in such a big box, but Mother let little Chucky open the crate by himself even though he was only three years old. Inside was the most beautiful puppy he had ever seen. Chucky named the pup Ginger, and she became part of their family. From the moment they met, Chucky and Ginger loved one another; the bond between them would last for many years. During the summer of 1952, Chucky, Ginger, and their whole family prepared to move from their home in Kansas to a new home in Indiana. Before making the big trip, though, it was decided: they would all spend the summer in North Carolina. Grandmother and Granddaddy South lived on a tobacco farm, and upon Chucky's arrival, the adventures begin. Chucky and his sister Sandy explore to their hearts' content. Even uncles and aunts join in the fun as one loving family spends a magical summer together.