Thousands of years ago, the Ice Tzarina was about to conquer the whole earth until magical charms forced her back to the far north. Now winters are growing increasingly cold once more. Pira fears for her friends: a rabbit, Philly; a goose, Freda; and Penne, a donkey. They warn her to beware; when icy air sparkles like captured stars, then the Ice Tzarina is close by.