Wick has always lived in the dark and dreadful Harklights Match Factory and Orphanage, working tirelessly for greedy Old Ma Bogey. He dreams of escaping, until one day a bird drops something impossible and magical at his feet - a tiny baby in an acorn cradle. As midnight chimes, Wick is visited by the Hobs, miniature protectors of the forest. Grateful for the kindness shown to their stolen child, they offer Wick the chance of a lifetime - to leave Harklights, and make a new start with them in the wild . . .