'Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light' writes Francis Scott Key as he and a curious little possum witness the historical attack on Fort McHenry by Great Britain. Join Opie and the boy on a patriotic adventure as they fight to help America to win its independence during the War of 1812.

Twelve-year-old Chap Brayburn, ancient Sugar Man, and his raccoon-brother Swamp Scouts Bingo and J'miah try to save Bayou Tourterelle from feral pigs Clydine and Buzzie, greedy Sunny Boy Beaucoup, and world-class alligator wrestler and would-be land developer Jaeger Stitch.

Personal observations and experiences with wildlife in her home territory of Indiana, where "Old Bill" taught her woodlore and guncraft, and where she raised a family or orphaned squirrels.