A Caldecott Honor book. This is a modern version of the Aesop's fable, Androcles and the Lion. After reading about lions, Andy meets one that has escaped from the circus and removes a thorn from the lion's paw. When the lion gets free again and endangers the crowd, it recognizes Andy and repays the boy's kindness. Comic slapstick in an enduring favourite.
Angel lies awake in the early morning, waiting for the rest of the family to begin the day.
Angel paddles happily around the house till an open refrigerator turns all the water to ice and a polar bear appears. After Angel rids the apartment of its ice and water, she and the polar bear settle down to a game of dominoes. The book maintains an intriguing balance of surrealism and real family situations with Angel as the conquering protector. An abundance of peripheral visual detail adds humour and excitement to Angel's vivid imaginings. Angus is curious about the new cat and frustrated by its ability to elude him.