Ben (Benjamin), Tom (Thomas), and Lindy (Melinda) Potter are siblings living in Bramblewood—a university town. Their father, Mr. Potter, teaches at the university and needs quiet, so their mother, Mrs. Potter, sends them to the Bramblewood Zoo. The weather is cold, as it’s almost Halloween, but the zoo is bustling with people, animals, and vendors.

Lindy is 7, Tom is 10, and Ben is 13. As the oldest, Ben claims he’s in charge, so he takes them to see the elephants first. They also see ducks, penguins, and snakes. Tom wants a snake for a pet. Lindy says snakes are “gross,” but Tom believes Lindy is really afraid of snakes. Lindy sucks her thumb, and Tom makes fun of her.

The siblings buy hot chocolate and donuts, and a giraffe tries to eat Lindy’s. As the siblings discuss giraffes and other animals, a “remarkable-looking” man with a butterfly umbrella, Professor Samuel Savant (though he does not introduce himself by name), tells them about a creature called the Whangdoodle. There’s only one Whangdoodle left, and Savant hasn’t seen it yet, but he hopes to soon. Savant and the siblings discuss Halloween costumes before circling back to the Whangdoodle.