Elephant is puzzled when a strange package arrives on James's doorstep. She can't see what's inside, but hears a rustling sound and a hiccup. When she opens the parcel, two great dark eyes gaze at her. Whatever was in the bag is very, very shy. Elephant sets off down the lane to find James. But when he arrives the thing in the bag just covers its eyes with its ears and curls up into a ball. Whatever is in the bag is very frightened too, but when the mystery creature, encouraged by the friendly coaxing of James and his toys, finally ventures out, James discovers a very special new friend.