Oliver, age 12, is a very minor mage. He mostly works with plants, and knows only three spells. However, when a terrible drought endangers his village, his frightened neighbours insist that he go–alone, except his familiar, an armadillo–through the dangerous Harkhound Forest to the Rainblades, where the Cloud Herders live, and bring back some rain.
A pleasant enough story. It's got some unique elements, though the plot is strictly formula: Oliver goes on a journey, experiences dangers (some ghouls–or 'ghuls'–and some bandits), and returns home triumphant, having grown up a little along the way.