When their father disappears one day, Nap and her little brother Nicl decide to leave their village to find him. They set off upriver on a raft. As they go, their search assumes a magical quality and becomes a journey of self-discovery. Turtles carry the raft on their backs; the children are transformed into deer; and other animals offer help and advice. Finally, an armadillo tells them that if they return home, they will find a big surprise awaiting...