Katrusya and her mother live in a yellow cottage on a hill. One day the mother becomes ill. The little girl ventures with a tin dipper to fetch some cool water from the river hoping to get back home before dark. But no matter how Katrusya hurries nighttime does come. After filling the dipper with water she sets on the journey back home. Along the way she meets a thirsty dog and lovely lady with whom she shares the water. Magical things begin to happen. Each time Katrusya shares the water, the tin dipper changes to silver and then to gold. But the most wonderful thing that happens when Katrusya's mother becomes well after drinking the water. The little girl and her mother watch in amazement as the dipper rises into the sky and glitters like diamonds. To this day the brilliant Big Dipper shines in the night sky for all to see.