Celia and her mother live in a cottage in the country. One day mother becomes ill and the only thing that can save her is a taste of the sweet water of her childhood. Accompanied by the ever-complaining dog, Brumble, Celia sets forth to get the sweet water. Along the way she meets various troubled characters and rather than be frightened or put off by them, she offers them kindness. They, in turn, make her return journey a speedy one. Can she succeed? If she doesn't bring the sweet water back, what will happen?