Great Joy

Here is a holiday gift from Kate DiCamillo. In the cold days before Christmas, a young girl named Frances sees a sad-eyed organ grinder and his monkey performing on the street near her apartment. She can't stop thinking about them, wondering where they go at night, and wishing she could do something to help. The simple story is enhanced with luminous illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline (also illustrated The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane). It is a heartwarming story for the holiday season.