"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. KATE DICAMILLO is the author of many beloved books for young readers, including The Tale of Despereaux, which received a Newbery Medal; Because of Winn-Dixie, which received a Newbery Honor; The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, winner of a Boston Globe - Horn Book Award; The Magician's Elephant; and the best-selling Mercy Watson series. Kate DiCamillo lives in Minneapolis. Bagram Ibatoulline was born in Russia and educated at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute. He has illustrated many books for children, including THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO POLO by Russell Freedman, and CROW CALL by Lois Lowry. Bagram lives in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania.