Orphaned three‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old amnesiac Mopsy is found wandering the Apennine foothills and taken in by the kind, poor Bardi family. Blessed with an extraordinary sense of smell, she can identify herbs, treasures and edible mushrooms. With her gift, she finds precious mandrake root to pay for her foster father’s treatment, discovers fertile soil to grow ancient broad beans, and rescues injured white‑wolf cub Neve. Faced with villagers’ jealousy and prejudice, the family stands united. Mopsy is finally officially adopted by the Bardis and brings hope and warmth to her loved ones with her special gift.
