Horatio, a tiny stuffed rabbit, and James, a big stuffed bear, are building a block tower when into it crashes Calamity, a racing donkey who invites Horatio to find himself a jockey and join in. Borrowing from James's "Useful Box," the rabbit tries first a clock and then a clothespin as his jockey, but he can't manage to compete with Calamity (with a thread bobbin as jockey) who runs in all directions, then declares himself the winner.

James comes to the rescue by establishing a formal racetrack with start and finish lines, giving the rabbit the chance to at least tie with the rambunctious donkey. The soft, pale illustrations, reminiscent of Jane Hissey's work, lend charm to this somewhat bland story. An old-fashioned, quiet tale of two friends whose peace is invaded by an appropriately named intruder.

James, the gentle bear who likes nothing better than peace and quiet, and his treasured Useful Box must come to the rescue when the arrival of Calamity, a donkey who makes a ruckus wherever she goes, ensues in chaos.