When Matt and Abby go to live with Great-Aunt Gerda in Sierra Madre Canyon after their mother dies, Matt is put off at first by the life-size wooden dolls whom Aunt Gerda talks to and calls her "children." However, when someone vandalizes the dolls and two are stolen, it is Matt, with the help of his new friend, Kristin, who foils the would-be thief and returns the dolls to Aunt Gerda.

"Until the Rosetta Stone was finally translated and the decoding of hieroglyphic writing made possible, much of Egyptian history was lost. The author has done a masterful job of distilling information, citing the highlights, and fitting it all together in an interesting and enlightening look at a puzzling subject." —H. "The social and intellectual history here are fascinating. A handsome, inspiring book." —K.

Notable Children's Books of 1991 (ALA)
Notable 1990 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Children's Books of 1990 (Library of Congress)
100 Books for Reading and Sharing (NY Public Library)
Parenting Honorable Mention, Reading Magic Award

On Katy's birthday, all of her animal friends come to the party dressed in clothes of different colors. "A clever extension of a classic American folk song that will be a boon to youngsters' language development." -- School Library Journal