I originally heard of this book at a conference for developing literacy through the arts. Consquently, I found myself focusing primarily on the visual imagery DiCamillo uses to create such believable and intriguing small moments in the lives of her characters. For this reason alone, I would like to recommend it my studnets who are learning English as an additional language. However, the tearjerker factor makes me a bit reluctant. I'm hestiant to set kids up for those painful moments. Overall, it was a fabulously written book with a positive vibe -- though I must admit the lingering impression I have of the ending was not one with a very clear point as to the story's slightly self-help message.