During Christmas, four year old Henry threw a tantrum. He refused to stay in bed, and his parents could do nothing with him. Henry's grandfather asked permission to quiet his grandson. To this day, Grandpa does not know what made him say it, but he told Henry to beware of Alby--the great big stag who was under the bed. All went quiet. Subsequently, every Saturday for a year, Henry received a letter signed by Alby or one of his animal friends on the Scottish Hebridean Isle of Mull.

These 52 delightful, humorous and insightful letters record how Alby survives the seasons, and is eventually recognised for being the royal he is. He is joined in his adventures by other dear as well as a wide cast of characters.