Amy discovers her conscience through conversations with a fat, gray squirrel she names Mr. Con Shints. In their delightful discussions about events in Amy's life, Mr. Shints and Amy explore poor behaviors such as lying, disobedience, and prejudice and such virtues as laughter, sharing, appreciation, and listening. When events in Amy's life are sad or discouraging, Mr. Shints helps her to find the good in her experiences and turn her dreary days into lavender days, Amy's term for the best of times.