In The Rainbird, the land is in drought. There is danger that the herds of goats may die because there is no grass to eat and no water to drink. Gideon has heard of the rainbird that lives high up at the top of a mountain in Kenya in East Africa and, if seen, could bring his tribe rain. Gideon climbs to the top of the mountain against his parents' wishes to try to save his tribe and the animals. After he climbs the mountain trying to find the rainbird, he comes down the mountain, not sure if he has seen it. His feet are torn and bleeding from the climb, and waiting for him at the bottom of the mountain is his little brother, Peter, who helps him get home to their hut safely.