Boville — Judith Mitchell

Once, in a time and place far distant from our town, there lived a young girl named Alma in a small town called Boville, where It rained constantly, and thick mists floated down the streets and around the chimneys. Alma is fascinated by the towering mountain which surrounds Boville, keeping the sun away the rain forever falling. To Alma, the mountain appears mysterious, and she observes it carefully, whenever the fog parted.

Alma and her faithful cat Oyster frequently visit their friend Zephira, an ancient, mysterious old woman who tells wonderful stories and legends. One day, however, Zephira speaks some new words: "Things were not always as they are today..." and tells Alma of a time when Boville was very different: sunny and, warm with flowers in all the windows and tall green trees around the village square.

In answer to Alma's wondering why Boville had become so damp and dreary, and will, Zephira only suggests that Alma ask the mountain itself, and will say no more. Alma and Oyster take up the challenge and embark on a secret and dangerous quest, with suprising results.