Mr. George Baker (Reading Rainbow Books)

A best-selling author and illustrator pay tribute to the power of language and intergenerational bonds.

George Baker and Harry don’t seem the likeliest of friends. Yet, sitting side by side on George’s porch, waiting for the school bus to come, the two have plenty in common, this hundred-year-old musician with the crookedy fingers going tappidy on his knees and the young schoolboy whose shoelaces always need tying. They’re both learning to read, which is hard — but what’s easy is the warm friendship they share. In an inspired pairing, a best-selling author and illustrator pay tribute to the power of language and intergenerational bonds.

Amy Hest is the author of many outstanding books for children, including the Baby Duck books, illustrated by Jill Barton. She also wrote YOU CAN DO IT, SAM; DON'T YOU FEEL WELL, SAM?; and KISS GOOD NIGHT, all illustrated by Anita Jeram. Two of her books, WHEN JESSIE CAME ACROSS THE SEA, illustrated by P.J. Lynch, and KISS GOOD NIGHT, were awarded the Christopher Medal.

Jon J Muth is the award-winning creator of several children's books, including STONE SOUP and THE THREE QUESTIONS. He illustrated COME ON, RAIN! by Karen Hesse and OLD TURTLE AND THE BROKEN TRUTH by Douglas Wood. His highly acclaimed comic books are published in Japan and the United States.