The third book in the acclaimed Tillerman Series, Jeff must choose between his mother and his father in this atmospheric story, set in America's Deep South.

Jeff is abandoned by his mother Melody. He grows up instead with his dusty old father, whom he knows only as the Professor. When Melody reappears in Jeff's life and invites him to stay for the summer, Jeff's world is alight with happiness. But Melody is never there, and Jeff is as lonely as ever. Maybe the Professor isn't as dusty as Jeff had always imagined. But maybe, like the solitary blue heron, it is wisest never to get too close to anyone...