It's summer in P'found's small Appalachian town. The young man enjoys spending time with his pencil and sketch pad by the lazy river that winds through his deep river valley, but drawing isn't all there is. He's part of the Clan--a group of ragtag youngsters, led by their ever-faithful German shepherd dog.
The Clan's days of motley adventure are interrupted when the Vagabond arrives in their little town and delivers a powerful, intriguing message the townspeople will take years and years to understand. P'found is deeply affected by the man's words and finds his happy, sunny summer ground into the dirt. His heart and soul are unexpectedly heavy.
The sky again brightens for the young artist with the surprise entrance of Feather. She is a visitor to the neighborhood, but she and P'found make an instant connection, as she becomes his most trusted sidekick. Together they bond with a wise old hermit who lives near the edge of town. It is a summer of growing up, of hard knocks, and, with the approach of August, P'found will find his entire life and town have changed.