Charlie Pringle has a dream. He wants to own a mountain bike and go cycling in the hills. Not a very practical idea when you live in town, next to a canal and a derelict shoe factory. Undeterred, Charlie sets out to earn some money. At the same time, Charlie's class is studying the Second World War, looking for heroes. Charlie's visit to old Mrs Tyrer and the accidental discovery of the mouse in the teapot trigger an adventure into the past and teach Charlie about the realities of war, about friendship, loyalty and the importance of family. He also learns that heroes can be found in unexpected places and dreams really can come true.