Christopher Churchmouse exchanges a wagonload of sawdust for Sed's bread crumbs and is proud of the deception, until circumstances force him to regret his action.
Although at first he rejects Freddie, a ragged-looking fieldmouse, Christopher Churchmouse soon makes friends with him, and Freddie and his family prove to be good friends to have.
A young churchmouse learns lessons about greed, trust, obedience, friendship, and honesty from his adventures and from different members of his family.
A young mouse and his friends learn about the importance of listening to those who are wise, calming angry friends, dealing with bullies, controlling one's tongue, and encouraging one another.
Christopher Churchmouse finds a huge round of cheese in the church kitchen and becomes consumed with greed and selfishness over it, despite Grandfather's warning.