Despite one failed invention after another, Henry knows that he's a brilliant inventor. Against the advice of his friend, Franklin, Henry conducts his biggest experiment ever - but succeeds only in blowing up the local schoolhouse.
Minna lives with strict German-born parents who privately hope their young daughter's friendship with the well-to-do Owen children - Toby, Harold and Adelaide - will do her some good.
Johanna is aware of a lot of whispering about her parentage and becomes determined to find out who her father really is. She starts to investigate but is unprepared for a shocking discovery.
When Alice's father, Sam, declares a half-day picnic for the workers, Alice and George propose a pig race between their pigs, Wilhelmina and Benny, as part of the entertainment.
Charles and his older brother John are both expected to work on their parents' farm. Charles loves it but John is lazy, evading his work at every turn. Both boys will soon be sent to England to learn how to be refined young gentlemen.
Sarah, though still a child, works as a servant for the cold and demanding Mrs Owen. As if being bossed around by the lady of the house isn't bad enough, Sarah has to deal with Mrs Owen's sly and sickly daughter, Alice.
Sam is a child convict, arrested in London for stealing a jacket. Now, having lived his whole life in towns and cities, he's been sent to an isolated farm on the edge of the bush.
Waruwi is an Aboriginal girl looking after her Nana while the rest of her extended family is away. What a day it turns out to be. Firstly a huge four-legged monster wanders near their camp that even spooks Waruwi's dingo Lapa.
Dan is on patrol to the Botany Bay area when he's asked to capture a native dog to take back to the colony's Governor. Only trouble is the dog in question belongs to Waruwi, the girl Dan befriended last time he was in the area.
Bunda has a problem - his older brother Garadi acts like Bunda doesn't exist. Bunda does everything to try and get his attention: he steals his honey, tries to copy his athletic feats, and he's thrown his brother's spear in the river.