Remy P pin's been dealt too many harsh blows in his young life. Orphaned, miserably poor, and subjected to occasional bullying from his employer, Remy's only source of joy and hope is in a superstition shared by a dear friend, Mathilde Jolicoeur. It's a superstition involving a lit candle sitting by a window, which Mathilde claims attracts luck. Day after day, Remy lights his candle and waits, convincing himself not to hope for good fortune to come his way -- until one snowy evening, when another boy appears at his doorstep, seeking shelter.