The story takes place in rural Ireland. Its three protagonists are Sheila Courtney, the granddaughter of the local squire, and Kevin and Nora Donohoe, the two oldest of eight children in a hard-working, proudly independent, but rather poor family.

They’re all between 10 and 12 years old. The book begins with the meeting of Sheila and Kevin, and traces their adventures and growing friendship over the final five months of the year. There are happy endings all around, culminating just after midnight on Christmas morn.