The Finch family was in desparate straits. They had to find a house to rent in the town of Ashfield. Finally they were given the only available house, along with a warning: it had a very unusual furnace - a small volcano. This book describes the lengths that the family must go to in order to keep their "furnace" a secret to their neighbors. The climax comes when the volcano starts to grow larger! The author of this book has an unbelievable imagination. My brother and sisters and I have read this book many times. We thoroughly enjoy it.