The School for Forgotten Orphans is spending it holiday in a cottage by the sea. As usual, the children are split into two gangs: the Fat Ern gang who like fighting and the Soppy Emmer mob who like playing with dolls. Joe and his sister Doris don't fit in with either, which makes them an easy target for their teacher, horrible Mr Barge. But when he orders them to stay behind and clear up while the others go out, Joe and Doris discover the Magic Boathouse - and get some amazing help from the past.