The Secret of the Iron Door

Plot summary

Fourth-grader Tolik Ryzhkov, a mischievous boy and habitual fibber, finds a box of magical matches in a transformer booth. Each broken match grants a wish. Tolik initially uses them selfishly, straining his friendship with Mishka, but later shares the matches after reconciling. Mishka uses them selflessly, angering the matches' original owner, a young wizard who rules a self-centered island. The wizard abducts Tolik, Mishka, Mishka's brother, and their dog. On the island, Tolik resists the wizard's corruption, rescues his friends through cleverness and teamwork, and destroys the last match. The good deeds done with the matches remain, affirming kindness and friendship.