Good Night, Mr. Tom

England is on the brink of World War II, and people around the country are taking in children who have been evacuated from London. Willie Beech is assigned to live in a country village with a gruff but kindly old man who goes by Mr. Tom.

It doesn't take long for Mr. Tom to see that Willie has been badly abused by the mother he left behind in London.

At first Willie is scared of everything, from Mr. Tom's sweet and playful dog to the unfamiliar sounds and sights of the countryside. Gradually, though, he settles into a happy life with Mr. Tom. He even starts to go by Will, fully leaving his awful past behind.

But then a telegram comes, and Will must return to his mother. He promises to keep in touch, but when weeks pass with no word, Mr. Tom decides he must rescue the boy he's come to love as a son.