Contents
Like most of the William books it has no continuous narrative, but consists of separate independent short-stories. The stories are as follows: *A Busy Day William is given a book entitled ''Things a Boy Can Do'' and annoys his entire household by trying to carry out its instructions, along with Jimmy, a cousin with a sister called Barbara. *Rice-Mould (The first ever story, c.1919) In order to impress the little girl next door, William attempts to steal cream blancmange from the household kitchen. *William's Burglar William befriends a mysterious stranger who claims to be a war veteran, but who is quite obviously a criminal. *The Knight at Arms A Quixote-esque tale in which "Sir William" and his faithful "squire" Ginger set out to rescue a "damsel in distress". *William's Hobby William takes up taxidermy as a hobby and puts a dead frog that he wishes to stuff in Uncle George's tea for 'Tannin'. *The Rivals William has a rival for the affections of Joan. *The Ghost William arranges a "psychic experience" for his cousin Mildred. *The May King William is chosen as attendant to the May Queen (Evangeline Fish, a girl despises) in a school pageant, but he has bigger ambitions. *The Revenge William takes revenge on his family by pretending to run away from home. *The Helper William "helps" the removal men when his family moves house and gets stuck on the roof. *William and the Smuggler Mr. Brown goes to the seaside for a "rest cure" but unfortunately has to endure William's company. *The Reform of William William is inspired to lead a better life, but decides not to start just yet and on his 'last day' of his 'old life', crashes a caravan into a donkey cart. *William and the Ancient Souls A grown-up friend of William has his life made unendurable by a new neighbour who is the President of the society of Ancient Souls. *William's Christmas Eve William and Joan deliver a Christmas feast to a poor family whose man of the house has just been released from 'The Nick'References
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