When Gary's dad leaves home and announces he is going to marry his awful girlfriend Karen, Gary and his chum Robert decide they must find a husband for his mum. Their ever wilder and often hilarious schemes backfire, and they have to learn from an understanding teacher that you can't make things happen for other people. Gary's dad returns home after Karen ditches him, but probably only temporarily. Gary's emotions are thoughtfully presented, including his growing doubts that he actually wants a new husband for his mum.