Great Joy

Enjoyed by readers of age: 6 to 8

Read the most by: boys and girls

“Newbery Medalist DiCamillo spins a tale of compassion and holiday warmth.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street outside Frances’s apartment. When it’s quiet she can hear their music, and when she looks out her window at midnight, she sees them sleeping outside. Finally the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, but when it’s Frances’s turn to speak, all she can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes — until a door opens just in time, and she finds the perfect words to share. With this luminous tale, Kate DiCamillo pairs with Bagram Ibatoulline to offer a timeless holiday gift.