Stretch was not like other people. She could stretch her body taller than the tallest tree. People didn't trust her because she was different. That's why she lived in the forest.

Swallow could eat more food than anyone. The villagers made fun of her because she was short and fat. That's why she left town.

Stare's eyes were so strong they could burn through anything she looked at. Everyone was afraid of her. That's why she stayed alone.

And then there was Ira - small, skinny, and short-sighted - with nobody in the world to help him search for his missing sister.

Somehow these four unlikely characters come together and overcome all obstacles - even the most evil magic in the land.

Veronika Martenova Charles has drawn upon an old Czech fairy tale to create her own contemporary story about the strength of friendship and the value of being different.