Charmain Baker is a young girl whose Great-Uncle William has fallen ill. Coming to care for him, she takes up residence in his modest cottage. But there's a catch. Charmain's Great-Uncle William is also known by another name, Royal Wizard Norland. And his is a magical home full of strange curiosities. Perhaps most curious of all is the door that can lead to anywhere—even into the past or future! As Charmain embarks upon a wondrous journey of discovery, she unknowingly comes to the attention of a powerful sorceress named Sophie and the ever-elusive wizard Howl.