Alba the young albatross leaves her nest to set out on her life's journey. But when a huge wave knocks her from the sky and breaks her wing, she is left all alone on an icy shore . . .

But then a penguin appears, followed by another and another, until the whole colony is at Alba's side. Among her new friends, Alba's spirits are quickly lifted and, through the long, dark winter, her wing slowly mends. When the sun finally appears over the horizon, Alba is at last able to fly again, but she never forgets the kindness she was shown at the heart of the penguin huddle.