Amy Hest

The hard-working daughter of two bakers and a perfectly nice stray dog live lonely lives in the same town, until they meet one very stormy day.

Although her parents love walking in the rain, Baby Duck does not--until Grandpa shares a secret with her.

Harry sits on the porch with Mr. George Baker, an African American who is one hundred years old but can still dance and play the drums, waiting for the school bus that will take them both to the class where they are learning to read.

Next-door-neighbors Bunny and Dog go about their days as the seasons pass, always noticing one another but never saying hello, until one day, when they are both outside, they see a shooting star that inspires them to try to be friends.