The story of Joseph the koala, who lives with his family 'at the top of a very tall gum-tree in Australia.' One day he wanders away from home, and has many adventures. He meets a kangaroo and helps her find her joey, and then takes an airplane ride with an airman who is attempting to fly from Australia to England 'faster than anyone else.' The pilot makes stops in various countries around the world, including India, Russia and Lapland, where Joseph meets the local people and animals. After the plane catches on fire, Joseph and the pilot evacuate and are rescued by a passing ship which is on its way to London. In London, Joseph gets lost and appeals to a Mr Pollock for help. He goes home with Pollock, and writes down his adventures, for which Pollock provides the illustrations.
