Jack's family is temporarily based on Rottnest Island during WWII, while his father helps build an air field. Jack and his best friend Banjo have the run of the island and a remarkable knack for getting into trouble - but as Jack says, "I'm not that bad, I just get caught a lot!" Dafty, a simple but loveable young boy dotes on Banjo and Jack. When Dafty seeks revenge against the local schoolmaster for a punishment inflicted on Banjo, life becomes suddenly more serious. Norman Jorgenson deftly recreates this period in Australian history from the perspective of a young boy. The poignant, mult-layered text offers young readers a valuable insight into life in Australia during the war, as well as an engaging and entertaining read.