It had just turned summer in the beautiful land of California. It was smoking hot outside and everyone was fortunate that the A.C. shop didn't sell out. Lyra, Arthur and her father, Scott Gray, lived in an apartment building. Her mother, Elizabeth, died shortly after her and Arthur's birth. Lyra always felt bad once she was old enough to understand. She felt like she was the cause her mother died, but her mother was diagnosed with cancer three years before their birth. They think all the work her body had to do to rid itself of the cancer and give birth, was too tiring. Lyra was going to a ranch to live for a year. Her father's brother, Mr. Jones, owns the ranch and invited them to Vermont to stay at Maplewood Ranch for a year. Lyra's dad is too busy though. He just got a new job and will be working a bit. With his wife dead it's been difficult to pay the rent. If he gets this new job it will be easier.