This is not a once upon a time story with fire breathing dragons, aliens from outer space, nor giants climbing down beanstalks.

Even something as disgusting as manure can take on magical qualities that lead to adventures in your own backyard. In the summer of 1942, while the world was at war, Jim Brown Godwin found himself covered from head to toe in manure. This is his story, how he got there, what he did, and - most importantly - how he got out.

This is a real story complete with bratty brothers, adults who never grew up, and some very ordinary, everyday heroes... and, oh yes, manure. There's no mistaking it. If you see it, smell it, or step in it, you know it. Call it poop, dung, do-do, cow pies, scat, turds - or as your grandmother might politely say, excrement, bowel movement, feces, or defecation, there's only one word for it - Yuck