A typical country school in Estonia towards the end of the 19th century, mainly attended by the children of peasants.
It is the story of the lives of a group of children throughout their school year, from autumn to spring.
The main characters are Arno, Toots, Kiir and Teele.
Arno and his dad are late to school.
Classes are already going on.
Arno doesn’t say much.
His classmate Toots talks about Indian stories and hero called the Lion of Kentucky.
Kiir says to the teacher, “My boots’ buttons are gone.”
Toots says, “Maybe rats took them.”
The teacher says, “Where were your boots last night?”
Kiir says, “By the bed.”
One of the boys shouts:
“Look! A button!”
They carry out a search. All of the buttons are found.
Toots jokes, “See, I told you it was rats!”
There is tension when students from a nearby German school insult the Estonian students.
Tõnisson fights back, leading to a big fight until Toots stops it.
He claims victory.
Arno sees that Tõnisson is acting strange.
He tries to find out why but can’t.
Later, Tõnisson admits sinking a raft.
Arno tells the teacher the truth, and Tõnisson confesses.
Weeks pass and Toots brings a puppy to school.
The teacher says: “What do you think happens to you now?”
Toots gives a sad smile and looks towards the corner.
In case of bad behavior, the children are made to stand in the corner.
The teacher adds, “I’m not going to do that. You must promise me that you will behave today.”
Toots answers quickly, “Yes, sir.”
The teacher says: “Take your puppy and your things and leave them at home tomorrow.
Never mind if you can’t do all your homework.”
Toots: “If I can’t solve both of the math problems, I’ll do one.”
Toots stuffs his things into his pockets and leaves.
Toots causes more trouble during a break and makes the churchwarden angry.
But he manages to avoid getting punished.
He leaves the churchwarden embarrassed.
Mr. Kiir can’t decide on a name for his newborn son.
Toots suggests Columbus and Chrisostomus in exchange for apples.
As the school year ends, the teacher says goodbye to his students.
He thinks about the bond they share despite some difficulties.
