This is the story of a little orphan girl called Heidi, who was so happy that she made everyone around her happy, too. The story begins on a sunny day, in the mountains of Switzerland.

Heidi was climbing up a steep path to her grandfather's cottage; her Aunt Dete was with her. Heidi had been looked after by Aunt Dete since she was a baby. But now Aunt Dete had a new job in a big city called Frankfurt. She wanted Heidi's grandfather to look after the child.

Heidi is happy living in the Alps with her grandfather. But when she is taken to the city to be a companion for frail, sickly Clara, she is miserable. Heidi longs to return to the freedom, fresh air and sunshine of the mountains- perhaps they,too, can work their magic on Clara.