Part one centers on 12-year-old Logan, who is the protagonist of the novel. He is the Candymaker’s son and has heightened senses that are fine-tuned for candy after living in the Life is Sweet candy factory his whole life. Logan is about to participate in the factory’s annual candy competition.

Three other contestants are coming to the factory to make their candy onsite, and Logan is nervous because he’s not used to being around other children. In the past, the factory used to host tours and annual picnics, which were Logan’s main source of socialization with the outside world. However, these events ended mysteriously. 

Logan greets the three contestants who will be competing at the factory. Miles seems nervous, and Logan is “glad to see that someone else felt as shy as he did” (21). He thinks Daisy seems cheery and pretty, while Philip is rude. Logan excitedly shows them around the factory. Daisy, Miles, and Logan quickly bond over their love of candy, but Philip distances himself and makes rude comments.