Jonathan must go over Hemlock Mountain alone to borrow a large iron cooking pot from Aunt Emma. Jonathan's mother is preparing a meal for a cousin's christening party, and his father is very busy with springtime chores on the farm. Jonathan is concerned that he will cross paths with a bear, but he is reassured that there are NO bears on Hemlock Mountain. His adventure includes a visit with small woodland animals on his way up the mountain, a snack and nap at Aunt Emma's house, and an encounter with some large woodland animals on his journey back down the mountain. Some quick thinking provides a happy ending as Jonathan and his family discover that there really ARE bears on Hemlock Mountain.

Based on a tall tale described by the State Archivist for the state of Pennsylvania, this delightful story about an eight-year-old boy will appeal to boys and girls alike. The use of repetition and a rhythmic sentence structure make the story an excellent choice for a read-aloud for any age group. It is also suitable as a first "chapter book" for a newly-independent reader.