She felt compelled to write a story focusing on the real meaning of Christmas. Susan wanted illustrator P. J. Lynch to do the art. After the manuscript was sent to him, he said he would decide in six months whether to take it on. He did, and the book is a true marriage of words and pictures. It is one of Children's Literature's top choices for the holiday season.
Some crystals are magic.
When Rosie, who works at the second hand store, gives Beany a crystal she warns her that a magic crystal will grant only one wish. Beany saves her wish for something special and unselfish in this light and humorous story that will be enjoyed by young readers. First, her pushy friend Carol Ann tells her what might go wrong, taunts her into wearing her new dress to school where it nearly is ruined, and threatens not to let her join the Flower Girl Club. Then, so many things go wrong for her at the rehearsal dinner that she confesses to Amy that she can't be a flower girl tomorrow. But Amy earns her favorite stripes by sharing her own butterflies and helping Beany to a fine conclusion.