Ebenezer Twizer is a young 511-year-old man. In the attic of his mansion, he keeps a monster that feeds on works of art and rare animals, although sometimes he is not averse to eating a cactus or a domestic cat. In return, the monster spews out all kinds of gifts for Ebenezer, including magic potions that prolong youth and life. But the monster's appetites grow, and one day he declares that only a juicy, fleshy child will satisfy his hunger. This is how orphan Bethany appears in Ebenezer's house. At first, Ebenezer consoles himself with the hope that he will feed the monster and his (very long) life will again flow as usual. But Bethany cannot be called an ordinary orphan...