D.W. Read

This book is listed for “ages 8 and up.” Well, I’m very much “and up” and this charming and thought-provoking story is one of my favorites, well deserving of the Newbery Award. The story is set in present day and centers around two children who have lost their mother and whose absent father has left them to be raised by grandparents on a farm. There are examples of cooperation, overcoming ancient conflicts, dealing with learning disabilities, and animal husbandry, interwoven through an excellent retelling of Dick Whittington’s Cat. The audio version is excellent.