Life has been lonely for the Sutton children since their mother died, so it's a happy day when Ida Early comes to be their housekeeper. Ida would rather read the comics out loud than wash dirty dishes. She's a champ at tiddlywinks, and at the drop of a hat she entertains them with tall tales about her past exploits. Has she really been a lion tamer? A cook on a pirate ship? And a stunt pilot? One thing the Suttons know for sure - with Ida around, anything is possible. Tough times in rural Georgia during the Depression take a lively turn when spirited Ida Early arrives to keep house for the Suttons.