Josie Slater crashes, travels through time, becoming a poor farm girl. She awakens an ability to understand all beasts. She saves an injured pheasant (Gilda), and forest beasts come for help. The Serpent King, tigers, lions, and elephants befriend her. She treats their injuries. Animals repay her kindness, bringing rare herbs and leading her to hidden iron and gold mines. She establishes herself in the village and reveals her abilities.