Tony Johnston

Each day, from September through November, brings glimpses of forest animals seeking food in preparation for the onset of winter, from a fox sniffing the last apple on the ground to a flock of wild turkeys that finds nothing.

A child anticipates the arrival of an old man in red, smelling of pine, spreading crinkling presents late at night.

In Colonial Massachusetts, the ghost of a recently-buried farmer haunts his widow's house after a dog takes one of his bones on a long journey.

As the heat of the desert day fades into night, various nocturnal animals, including bats, coyotes, and snakes, venture out to find food.

A family, including a child who is dying, sews together a quilt of its memories and love.

Told in verse, a boy encounters first grade--with all its peaks and valleys, but most of all with new friends.

"Hands wave hello, hands hold, hands heal. Hands say, I am here for you always. In simple, stirring rhymes, author Tony Johnston pens a timeless ode to parenthood. The small moments and quiet scenes that make up childhood-- learning to clap, planting a garden, waving good-bye on the first day of school-- fill the pages of this gentle tale, capturing the reassurance and love that parents hand their children every day. Warm illustrations by Amy June...

The first time a baby laughs, his entire extended family gathers for a party in hopes of hearing the sweet sound again.