Mr Finch, Alfie's Year 6 teacher, finds fault in everything Alfie does and even his parents worry about him just scraping his knees or walking to school on his own. Life is tough for Alfie. At school, the mistakes feel massive under the sharp eyes of the nasty Mr Finch; at home, even the smallest adventure gets wrapped in layers of "No, just in case." But his two best and loyal friends, Charlie and Saima are at his side and make his days brighter. Together, with the help of the mysterious librarian, Miss Isadora Dean, the friends stumble on a possible solution. Perhaps at last, Alfie can gain the courage to face his fears and problems. What strange and mystical discovery have they made? Can Alfie turn things around? Will he find the courage to follow it through?