Ruhr Valley, Germany, 1972. Hans-Peter is a pudgy nine year-old growing up in the security of his family and fun-loving relatives. At first sight he might not be the most popular guy, but he has a talent for making others laugh, which he refines on a daily basis in his grandmother’s corner shop. However, dark shadows soon loom over the boy’s everyday life as his once cheerful mum becomes more and more depressed after an operation. Hans-Peter’s sad and hardworking father leaves him mostly in the care of his two grandmas, both of whom have big hearts and strong personalities. Their love and care make it possible for Hans-Peter to survive the ensuing emotional turmoil and use his comedic talents to heal his own wounds while also making people laugh along with him.