A children's novel about a fox in the English countryside. This is the story of the first year in the life of Rinkin, a fox. With his brothers and sister he is initiated by his mother into all the mysteries of the place in which they live – including the greatest mystery of all, the Dragon, whose track lies at the edge of the wood. The cubs are taught how to hunt, how to recognize their enemies, how to listen to the wind, and to know the names of every inhabitant, from a tiny woodlouse to the majestic trees which warn the animals of danger. When winter comes, Rinkin, driven by hunger and urged on by a desire to test his courage, embarks on his greatest adventure: he enters the Dragon's lair.