Penny and her dog Patch get lost in the Newport Gorge forest in late afternoon just as a storm moves in from the south. With the storm threatening and night approaching they take shelter in a cave. During the night they both drink from a small pond in the back of the cave even though it has a soft green glow to the water. In the morning Penny discovers that she can communicate with Patch telepathically. However, she can't tell anyone as they would think she is crazy. Penny and Patch then embark on a series of adventures based in their newly acquired ability to talk to each other.

BOOK THREE: Penny and the Frightened Ducks

Penny is introduced to some homeless dogs in the park who are friends of Patch. Because they are nice and friendly she calls them the Nice Squad. On a subsequent visit to the park, Penny discovers some teenage boys throwing stones at the ducks in Angel Park lake. With the help of Patch and the Nice Squad she stops them from frightening the ducks and helps the park ranger take them into custody.

BOOK FOUR: Penny and the Handbag Snatcher

Penny spends time with Patch and the Nice Squad dogs teaching them how to track. This new skill is put into practice when they see a handbag snatcher steal a handbag from and old lady in the Town Square. The dogs track the thief to a garage in the old part of Angel park and hold him there until the police come and take him away.

The Magic Pond Series is best read in sequence.