It is 1933. The Goslar and the Frank families have just arrived in Amsterdam, Holland, from Nazi Germany. Like many other Jewish people, the Goslars and the Franks have been forced to leave their homes for safety — they trust — in the Netherlands. Soon after they first meet, the four-year-old girls become fast friends.

Then the girls begin kindergarten. Starting school in a new country is not easy for a shy and quiet girl like Hanneli. Hanneli clutches her mother's arm on the first day of class — she is very scared. But the instant she sees Anne, Hanneli loses all her fear and flies straight into her friend's arms. Having an outgoing and confident friend like Anne makes everything much easier.