When a new friend gives Hans and his sister Gretel enough money for one pair of ice skates, Hans insists that Gretel enter the grand skating competition, while he approaches the great Doctor who consents to try to restore their father's health and memory.

A Dutch boy and girl work toward two goals, finding the doctor who can restore their father's memory and winning the competition for the silver skates.

In her diary, ten-year-old Melanie describes how she and her family, accompanied by her best friend Cecily, travel to the Netherlands, where they have a good time despite Cecily's concern for her mother's health and Melanie's struggles with her little brother and her own attitude.