Sarah Tufts is en route to the colonies with her father when pirates swarm their ship. In the melee, Sarah tumbles overboard and washes ashore on an island ruled by the wicked Mr. Grim, who sends his pirate son Black Tooth out to steal babies and then raises these hapless tykes to become Woolies, weavers of fine rugs. Chased by Mr. Grim, Sarah stumbles into the enclosure known as Woolie World and meets Freck, a timid five-year-old dressed head to toe in a fuzzy white garment. Sarah quickly discovers the marvels of a world populated by singing, dancing Woolies. But she also sees a darker side. Failed Woolies are turned into "Worms," exiles who live in underground tunnels and scrounge for food. Sarah befriends Mr. Grim's twitchy but kind-hearted son Nigel and joins forces with Thomas, the 12-year-old Woolie leader. Will they be able to outwit Mr. Grim and rescue Woolies and Worms from servitude? This unique fantasy adventure sparkles with wit and wordplay, harrowing adventure, and heartfelt emotion.