The novel follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran who has become "unstuck in time," experiencing his life events out of order. This includes his experiences as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allies' firebombing, his post-war life as a successful optometrist, his abduction by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, and his eventual death. The book is a critique of war and a demonstration of the destructive nature of time, with a nonlinear narrative that reflects the chaos and unpredictability of life.

A young boy named Max, dressed in his wolf costume, wreaks such havoc through his household that he is sent to bed without his supper. In his room, a mysterious, wild forest and sea grows out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things. The Wild Things are fearsome-looking monsters, but Max conquers them by “staring into their yellow eyes without blinking once”, and he is made the king of all wild things. However, he soon finds himself lonely and homesick and returns home to his bedroom where he finds his supper waiting for him, still hot.

"The Mouse and His Child" is a heartwarming tale about a wind-up mouse and his child who embark on a journey to find their place in the world. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a group of tramp-like animals and a malicious rat. Through their trials and adventures, the mouse and his child learn about the importance of family, friendship, and perseverance, ultimately discovering their true purpose in life.

This book is a thought-provoking exploration of what would happen to the natural and artificial world if humans suddenly disappeared. It delves into how our massive infrastructure would decay and how, over time, the Earth would heal from human impact, erasing all traces of our civilization. The author uses this premise to illustrate the lasting impact of humanity on the planet, providing a unique perspective on issues like climate change, pollution, and deforestation.