Joe first sees the owl tree when on a visit to his gran. Granny Diamond loves the tree because she once saw an owl in it and she feels the tree is good company. Joe is fearful of many things, mainly of heights, but he is shy as well, and his sister Minna is often disdainful of him. He soon senses that the owl tree is fearful too - of Mr. Rock next door, who plans to have it cut down. Mr. Rock is known as 'the monster' because of his gruff manner and because his face was disfigured when he was shot down during the war. In his determination to save the tree, Joe shows real courage, and he also learn that Mr. Rock has had his fears too. Sensitive and rewarding. Short novel; excellent black and white illustrations.