As well as many friends, along the way they encounter the wicked Banksia Men.

    The adventures of those splendid fellows Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff, the penguin bold, and of course their amazing, everlasting and very cantankerous Puddin'.

    It has the magic of that most mysterious and beautiful of all gems which is a symbol of Australia. Sparks of fiery radiance, in humour, courage, passion and comradeship, are struck from a sombre background in which the love of Sophie and Potch survives with tender realism, and the gallant struggle of Michael for an ideal, lights the way to triumph over life's tragedies.