A young shoemaker has a recurrent dream of a treasure appearing on a bridge, which a friend persuades him to take as a sign that he should seek out this bridge in the world to find his treasure.
A boy drums his hands on whatever he can get but finds this only annoys people; he dreams of one day having a real drum to play or, best of all, the magical tom-tom of legend which can cause any animal or person to dance.
During his wanders through one of the Antilles, Ti Jean discovers a tunnel entrance concealed amongst the plants and follows it down underground, encountering both horrors and wonders.
Ivan's father lies dying, three golden plums from the Tsar's garden the only cure for his ailment. But the garden is protected by many traps and tests, most notorious of all the changing princess, whom is said to reduce all men to insanity.