It was followed by three sequels: 1976's Summer (Suvi), 1990's Autumn (Sügis) and 2020's Winter (Talve), all of which included original actors from this film.

The majority of the plot and character development takes place in the spring, culminating in first love, friendships, and other coming-of-age emotions.

Set in mid-autumn, the story begins when Arno Tali, a new student recovering from scarlet fever, joins the parish school in Paunvere.

On his first day, Arno is seated beside the mischievous Joosep Toots, an energetic troublemaker with a love for pranks and stories about Native Americans.

The school is filled with vibrant characters, including the cheerful but naive Tõnisson and the whiny, tattling Georg-Adniel Kiir, who often finds himself the target of Toots’ antics.

Attempts by the parish clerk to discipline Toots often fail, as only the compassionate teacher Laur can temporarily curb his antics through persuasion.

At school, Teele asks Imelik to play a lively tune, and Toots pulls her into a dance, mockingly calling her “Tali’s fiancée.” Arno, too timid to intervene, watches as they accidentally knock over the parish clerk.