A hungry boy wants to eat apples from his favorite tree, but the tree has other plans. Instead, she offers him three apples to take to the river and his journey begins. Along the way, he meets other children who, like him, are hungry and seeking answers.
Guided by nature -the river, the field, and the meadow- they each receive gifts: fish, corn, and milk. Though they are still hungry, they discover rest, friendship and the joy of sharing. When they return to the tree, they learn that the Earth's gifts are not meant to be taken for oneself alone, but to be shared with others.
In the end, the children prepare a simple feast together and form a bond that carries on in shared meals and memories, teaching readers about empathy, patience and the power of community.