Nello Tarth is a poor but happy orphan who lives with his grandfather Jehan and his dog Patrasche in a little village near Antwerp. He spends his days drawing and delivering milk. When Nello decides to enter an art contest, he experiences firsthand the ignorance and cruelty of the villagers of the town. Nonetheless, with the help of his beloved dog, Nello perseveres to achieve his dream.