Even when everything goes wrong for Sara Crewe, she is determined to behave like 'a little princess'. Parted from her father who is in India, the little rich girl goes to a school run by the cruel Miss Minchin. There Sara makes friends and enemies as she becomes well known for her ability to 'pretend' and to make up stories. When she suddenly becomes very poor and is half starved and like a beggar-girl, it is Sara's imagination and her kindness which help her to find happiness again.