Maple Hawthorne is, for all practical purposes, a young woman living a remarkably quiet life, she just happens to be carved from polished hardwood. Handcrafted decades ago by an elderly toymaker who simply wanted to create something kind, Maple surprised everyone, including herself, when she woke up one ordinary morning, offered a gentle "Good morning," and quietly stepped into the world. She has no grand quest to become human or shed her varnished body. Her ball-and-socket joints, subtle wood grain, and ventriloquist-style jaw are no stranger to her than freckles or wavy hair are to anyone else. Aside from needing the occasional coat of touch-up lacquer or a bit of joint maintenance, she lives much like anyone else.

In a modern world devoid of fairytale magic, Maple blends into the steady rhythm of daily life. Gentle, endlessly patient, and naturally curious, she spends her days cycling through the neighborhood, sipping coffee at local cafes, visiting museums, and striking up conversations with anyone willing to look past her wooden exterior. Children tend to accept her without a second thought, while adults usually just need a few minutes before the initial surprise wears off. Before long, the novelty fades entirely, leaving behind no miraculous creature, but simply a loyal friend who makes her corner of the world just a little kinder by being in it.