Years ago, Lepel's parents left an hot air balloon world tour. He stays with granny Koppenol, who constantly exploits him for domestic chores, in her buttons shop and even as accomplice in the department store where she steals the buttons from clothes. After she won't even leave him the balloon kind salesman Max gave him, Lepel, now 9, runs away. He meets Max's slightly older daughter Pleun. Schoolmaster Bijts is also looking for him, but only as arithmetics talent for an academic schools contest. Max accidentally finds out the sad truth about Lepel's family.

Peter is a cheerful -- but not very obedient -- boy from a very ordinary family in pre-war Rotterdam. His many pranks amuse some and cause a lot of trouble to others, even making the front pages of the big city newspapers. His growing popularity brings him many new friends, but also some very powerful enemies.

Eight-year-old Milan doesn't understand death. His friend Stella claims to know everything about death. She frightens Milan with stories about the soul thief, soulless people, and rotting wounds. Milan becomes so panicked that he no longer dares to trust anyone, not even his own mother. Eventually, Milan's mother finds out what he is struggling with.

The seven year old Pim is fascinated by the Fairytale of "Snow White". Especially the part where the Prince is kissing Snow White is his favourite. Then one day his mother dies in a car accident. The little boy is really confused when he sees his dead mother lying in the morgue, but thinks to have a solution for this problem. He writes a letter to the Dutch crown prince Willem Alexander. Pim is convinced by the fact that this prince will wake up his mother by giving her a kiss.