Always available for wise counsel is his uncle, Old Ragged. Old Ragged is gruff on the outside, but tenderhearted and as it turns out, as curious as Newly on the inside. The author's merit lies in her ability to see from a animal perspective while recognizing what will delight a child reader. The book balances adventure and reassurance and is filled with clear writing and attention to sensory details and the feeling levels of the story. Illustrated by Edward Frascino.
Contemporary settings intrigue many beginning readers.
Books for younger readers focus on younger issues. Three contemporary-setting authors add to their very popular series. Marion Markham's Dixon twins take on another mystery as the two defend the class trickster in The April Fool's Day Mystery. Realistic novels come in older more sensitive levels, too. Many are written for children who have the maturity to understand more poignant issues, but don't have the ability to read longer books.