McCloskey also cleverly depicts the adventurously-rambunctious little Jane in his drawings of their mainland adventures; on every page, the robust tousle-headed toddler is usually shown to be exploringly bustling about independently of the two others in her group, engaged in "typical young tomboy" activities such as perching high up on a work-table, climbing on a stack of tires, snuggling with a furry puppy who has wandered into the garage, etc.

[2] The story begins with McCloskey's older daughter, Sal, good-naturedly assisting her little sister, Jane, during their morning routine of dressing and tooth-brushing.

So instead, Sal makes her wish while holding a seagull's feather, which she views as a bird's equivalent of a tooth since they are both body parts that fall out as new ones grow in.

Sal and Jane then accompany their father in his skiff to the mainland; McCloskey is obliged to row the whole way because the outboard motor has a bad spark plug.

The story ends with the happy trio's roaring back towards home in their skiff – under motor-power this time – cleaving a great foaming wake in the calm water of the bay.