Soot Bakes It All

The story, beat by beat

Chapter outline

1. 1

   Tables Up the Hill

   The village carries long tables up the hill toward the Long Hall beneath the Big Oak. In Soot's kitchen at sunrise, Hazel, Bram and Puff crowd round the table asking to help — but Soot shoos everyone out and ties her apron tighter. She will bake it all herself.

2. 2

   Baking Alone

   Alone at night, Soot rolls dough by lamplight, pies and loaves stacking up around her. She sings as she bakes, flour everywhere, the oven glowing warm behind her.

3. 3

   The Fire Climbs Too High

   Then the fire climbs too high. The dough will not rise. The kitchen fills with smoke, and the table holds nothing but burnt pies and flat bread. Soot looks out toward the Long Hall, and her face falls.

4. 4

   Plum Calls Down the Hill

   Plum finds Soot outside the bakery and asks what happened. Then Plum calls down the hill — and the whole village starts up the path with baskets and dishes, until the Long Hall fills with neighbours setting their food along the long table.

5. 5

   The Feast That Fed Everyone

   The laden table gathers the whole village, and everyone joins the chant. Afterward they walk home through the first snow of winter — while over Timblemoon, some very special guests arrive at the Long Hall.

"Timblemoon, Timblemoon, up the hill and up with the moon! Lift your light, however small, Timblemoon has room for all."