The story is a fantastical adventure, originally devised by children. Women and men, adept at home baking, are disappearing all over the country. When Mrs Cherry (from their corner shop) vanishes, Emily and Sam decide to investigate. Their curiosity leads them to a fairground: here they are separated. Sam meets the Mad Puppeteer and reaches the North Pole, with Mrs Cherry, on the ghost train; Emily seeks the help of Mr Wong and his hot-air balloon. After several adventures they come face to face with the awesome Gobbler, and a final confrontation in his factory. Along the way, they learn something about themselves and the power of real imagination.