Shannon Simpson has a kind soul, sometimes questionable judgment, and courage to spare. And she has no idea she can communicate with animals when she sets off on a 100-mile trek through the forest seeking her long-lost grandmother. Finding Gran means winding her way safely through the woods with only a compass, her wits and a mysterious, possibly magical, marra mamba stone to guide her. During her journey, Shannon faces bad weather, injuries, hunger, thirst, and wild animals-some nice and some not so nice. And along the way, she uncovers secrets about her family and herself.