The story follows the Trippertrot children—Mary, Tommy, and Johnny—along with their pets, Ivy Vine the cat and Fido the dog, as they seek shelter from the rain with an old fisherman. They head to the house of the false-face man, a jolly character who creates colorful masks for Halloween. The false-face man, covered in paint from his work, welcomes them warmly and offers to make masks for the children and their pets. Each child chooses a unique mask: Tommy wants an Indian mask, Johnny desires one like Little Jack Horner, and Mary opts for an Old Mother Hubbard mask. The false-face man also makes a monkey mask for Fido and a wax doll mask for Ivy Vine. As they enjoy a party with their new masks, the children's nursemaid, Suzette, arrives, worried about their absence. The children explain they got lost due to runaway horses, but are now found. The false-face man gives Suzette a mask resembling a Chinese lady as a gift. The children, along with Suzette, return home, taking their masks and pets with them. Despite the adventure, the story hints at future escapades for the Trippertrots.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1923 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure