Great Joy (midi edition)

This gentle holiday story explores themes of compassion and social awareness through the eyes of a young girl named Frances, who notices an organ grinder and his monkey living on the cold city streets. As Christmas approaches, Frances becomes increasingly concerned about their wellbeing, creating a thoughtful narrative about noticing those who are often overlooked in our communities. The story's quiet pacing and emotional depth make it an excellent conversation starter about empathy and kindness during the holiday season.

DiCamillo's lyrical prose is beautifully complemented by Bagram Ibatoulline's atmospheric illustrations, which capture both the warmth of Frances's home and the chill of the winter streets. What makes this book particularly valuable is how it presents complex social issues in a way that young children can understand and process, focusing on one child's capacity to make a difference through simple acts of caring. This midi edition's accessible format makes it ideal for family read-alouds that will spark meaningful discussions about community responsibility and holiday spirit.