In this picture book a string of birds on a telephone wire plays a game of telephone, with the usual mixed up results.

Early in the morning, just before Sam's alarm clock is about to go off, a strange sound enters the bedroom. SHRIEK! SHRIEK! What's that noise? This is not a good way to start the day! Sam is woken up by a loud bird, but he tries to sleep through it. What can Sam do to stop it? This bird is relentless! Will Sam find a new friend in this magpie and finally manage to sleep in?