When Stanely's parents are expecting a new baby, they send him to the city for the summer to stay with his Uncle Julius and his Aunt Fran. His aunt and uncle have big plans for Stanley. He's going to study fractions and wear some scratchy new clothes. Loneliness comes to Stanley. What is he doing here? He wants to go home. Then, one magical night, the Banjo Man off the kitchen matchbox comes to life. He's joined by the inch-high folks from lots of boes and jars. The party starts. Stanley now has more friends and good times than he ever could have imagined. His favorite is Ike who will always be there for him if loneliness ever returns.