Elizabeth Bram

openlibrary.org

Medium-high leveled reader.

Sort of surreal. Three stories to stretch the imagination. Some references are dated and may make some parents uncomfortable, so I advise reading it yourself first. Fans of [a:Daniel Pinkwater|20575|Daniel Pinkwater|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1218645652p2/20575.jpg] might be the most ready to enjoy it.

openlibrary.org
I love this kid! He thinks keeping track of time is fun, but when something happens, he's quick to recognize that it isn't all that important. He collects dreams from family, friends, and neighbors in a jar, he does secret favors (random acts of kindness), and he builds a tree.

openlibrary.org
An almost universal story, with interestingly different illustrations. Doesn't show its age; could still be enjoyed by anyone anxious about a new school year or new experience of any similar sort.

Oh! Lovely idea, wonderful stories. They totally read like a kid wrote them in an hour or so for his neighbors.

But two things make both me and my inner child feel frustrated.
1. Didn't he have to check with his family before adopting a kitten?
2. Why are the stories *illustrated* with so much adult-style talent? It looks to me like Rufus is even more of an Artist than a Writer.