The Muffletumps tells the story of four living dolls who live in trunks in the attic of the Beddigan family's house.

When the Beddigans go on vacation to Pear Lake, the dolls - Edward, Henrietta, Elsie, and Maud - come to life and engage in various activities. They take care of the house, mend their clothes, write poetry, cook, feed the neighborhood dogs, and so on. One strange event is the arrival of a package of lavender scented soaps: "Chewing it made them sleepy." When the Beddigans return, the dolls rush to get back in their trunks.