The Funny Thing tells the story of a curious dragon-like "animal" that eats children's dolls. A kindly old man named Bobo cannot stand by and allow the Funny Thing to steal dolls from children. He entices it to eat "jum-jills," a concoction he makes from seven nut cakes, five seed puddings, two cabbage salads, and fifteen little cheeses, all rolled into small balls. A happy ending is assured when the Funny Thing discovers he loves jum-jills and is convinced that they will make his tail grow longer and his blue points become more beautiful. He returns each day for the treats and never eats another doll.