Ella lives in a fanciful and magical world where all children are given a gift from their fairy Godmother at birth. Ella's gift - and curse - was that of obedience. As a result, Ella cannot refuse any command, and as a result she is often taken advantage of. In a bid to regain control of her life, Ella goes on a quest to free herself from this mysterious gift. Ella must outwit a kingdom filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, talking books...

Young Ella's merchant father remarries after the death of her mother. Ella welcomes her new stepmother and her daughters into the family home. But, when Ella's father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to 'have courage and be kind.'