A boy must brave deep winter snow to obtain an important family keepsake. Before he can even start this difficult journey he must first help his family survive financial ruin, rescue his beloved pet goat, and with his best friend, outwit a bratty bully who seems out to get him at every turn. Will he make it back to the village in time to celebrate the end-of-winter holiday of Chalandamarz?
Germany, 1933: Little Anna Kemper lives with her family in Berlin. Since her father, a famous theater critic, is an open opponent of the National Socialists, he has to flee to Zurich after Hitler's rise to power. The mother, Anna and her twelve-year-old brother soon follow him. Because there is hardly any time to prepare for the escape, Anna has to leave her beloved stuffed rabbit in a hurry. But the family does not find a permanent home in Switzerland either. Again and again Anna has to adapt to the constantly changing circumstances, face new challenges with her family and face great privations. Nevertheless, Anna tries not to lose braveness.