(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Hannah George. Homeless thirteen-year-old orphan Davy loves art so much he brushes pictures into the dirt around the ramshackle town of Brownvale. When elderly Miss Flint, former curator of a now-deserted museum, (humorously) hires the child as her driver, Davy's life expands even as hers ebbs. Blending allusions to classic films, Renaissance art, and Celtic spiritual beliefs, this ambiguously set Christmastime tale fashions gentle joys out of grim circumstances.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Hannah George. When Goose goes away, Duck is left in charge of the pond. Immediately he begins issuing orders: no racing, fishing, or diving. Soon all the animals leave for a friendlier meadow. Alone in the empty pond, Duck predictably realizes his bossy ways and apologizes. Bright, cheerful illustrations depict the animals' quirky personalities and add amusing touches to the story.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley