The series is based on the original books written by Joan Aiken, and illustrated by Quentin Blake, and some were first shown on the BBC's Jackanory programmes. The stories are about a little girl named Arabel Jones who adopts a mischief making raven named Mortimer whose only communication is to squawk "Nevermore" when upset. The Jones family live in Rumbury Town, London NW3 and-a-half where most of their neighbours, especially grumpy old Mr Leggit, can't stand Mortimer for all the chaos he causes, and it is always up to Arabel to keep Mortimer out of trouble, although he frequently causes chaotic upsets with his mischievous behaviour.