Lost Evangeline

A shoemaker finds a tiny girl — as small as a mouse — hidden in the toe of an old boot. He names her Evangeline and raises her as his own. Together they dream of going to sea someday, of adventures and wonders and other places. But the shoemaker's wife has always feared and resented the little girl, and one night Evangeline is thrown in a sack and sold for gold. The third of Kate DiCamillo's Norendy Tales, which do not need to be read in any kind of order, and the best one yet, I think. DiCamillo's writing is graceful and beautiful and Sophie Blackall's pencil illustrations are quiet and atmospheric. For ages seven and up, and a book I would give to any child ready to be immersed in a story.