In medieval Paris, Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, struggles to save the gypsy dancer Esmeralda from being unjustly executed.

When orphaned, eleven-year-old Pollyanna comes to live with austere and wealthy Aunt Polly, her philosophy of gladness brings happiness to her aunt and other unhappy members of the community.

Presents illustrated retellings of ten fairy tales for children, including the title work in which a little mermaid, enchanted with a prince she once saved from drowning, gives up her family, her tail, and her life for love.