Mom, Rose, Sammy, and their dog Jelly have no idea what’s in store for them when they meet Clever, a very well-spoken bird. Clever wants to go back to his home that’s “just across the river,” and the family agrees to take him. But Clever fails to mention which river they had to cross or just how far away his home is. Over several weeks of traveling south, Clever continually asks for unusual foods. When the family finally reaches Clever’s river, with long, sad faces, they say their goodbyes. The trip home is much quicker since they don't have to stop at each creek, stream or trickle of water along the way. When they drive up to their house, a huge surprise is waiting for them!