In her first picture book, America's beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo reunites with Bagram Ibatoulline to offer readers an unforgettable holiday gift.

It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street corner outside Frances's apartment. Frances can see them from her window and, sometimes, when it's quiet, she can hear their music. In fact, Frances can't stop thinking about them, especially after she sees the man and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street at midnight. When the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, and it's Frances's turn to speak, everyone waits silently. But all Frances can think about is the organ grinder's sad eyes — until, just in time, she finds the perfect words to share. Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo pairs once again with acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline as she presents a timeless story of compassion and joy.

"With spot-on storytelling rhythms and pacing, Newbery Medalist DiCamillo spins a tale of compassion and holiday warmth from a most unlikely image. Frances is so preoccupied by the hard-luck organ grinder and monkey she can see from her apartment window that it's hard to focus on the fast-approaching church Christmas pageant. It's not until the man and monkey make their way to the performance (at Frances's invitation) that her words, 'Behold! I bring you tidings of great joy,' make perfect sense to her. Ibatoulline's (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) WWII-era scenes have a subdued yet comforting glow, illuminated by streetlamps and stage lights. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"The plotline is simplicity itself, and the text lacks any sentimentality or fluff, allowing the acrylic paintings, reminiscent of Norman Rockwell's work in their warmth and realism, to enrich and expand the story." School Library Journal

"This simple but powerful story will indeed bring the reader great joy." Kirkus Reviews

In her first picture book, Newbery Medalist DiCamillo reunites with acclaimed artist Ibatoulline, illustrator of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, to offer readers a timeless holiday story of compassion and joy.

Kate DiCamillo is the author of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, winner of a Boston Globe-Horn Books Award; THe Tale of Despereaux, winner of the Newbery Medal; Because of Winn-Dixie, a Newbery Honor winner; The Tiger Rising, a National Book Award Finalist; and four books starring Mercy Watson, including a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book. She lives in Minneapolis.

Bagram Ibatoulline is the illustrator of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, as well as The Serpent Came to Gloucester by M. T. Anderson, Hana in the Time of the Tulips by Deborah Noyes, The Animal Hedge by Paul Fleischman, The Nightengale retold by Stephen Mitchell, and Crossing by Philip Booth. He lives in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania.