a red-haired foundling, is sent away from her village because the villagers thought the colour of her hair could bring them bad luck. Befriended and protected by Bodo, a fatherly, black sheepdog, she is fed by the nanny goats on the Alpine pastures. One day she rescues Gocciolino, a bright and high-spirited rat, and the three become firm friends.

Back in the village, the two richest men, Beppe and Fausto, are engaged in lifelong rivalry. Beppe has bought a big, brand-new tractor and, in order to outdo him and buy an even bigger one, Fausto decides he'll have to sell his beautiful Arabian horses to the butcher.

 

and runs to tell her friend Bodo, the sheepdog. Using their talents and ingenuity Amaranta and her friends succeed in freeing the horses and they all run far away into the woods until in a clearing they meet a group of cheery red sqirrels who encourage them to stay. And so they live happily together feeding on tasty grasses and fruits of the forest.

And Fausto? Does his smelly, noisy tractor give him great joy?
No, the tractor gives him no joy. He pines for his horses and the warm welcome they gave him every morning.