The Snooks (singular!) derives his name from the Danish expression "leaving the Snooks behind" much used by 7-year-old Eigil's parents to indicate somebody's going nuts. This being a live action-cum-puppet animation film, Eigil's own imagination turns the Snooks into an amiable gnome-like little fellow and best friend during a summer holiday. When they are being joined by a cat, the fun really begins.

Eigil's family is in a dire situation, as they must raise 500,000 kroner by the end of the month in order to remain in their home. This is where the story begins, as Snøvsen and Eigil set out into the wide world to earn money. This takes them to Federico's circus, where the shady director tries to cheat Snøvsen out of his wages. They end up in the big city, where they make lots of new friends and have lots of fun adventures before they all meet up at Tivoli Gardens for a final joint attempt to save their home.