Hattie & Hudson by Chris Van Dusen. Hattie McFadden is a born explorer. Every morning she paddles out in her canoe to discover something new on the lake, singing a little song along the way. When her singing lures a huge mysterious beast from the depths of the lake, everyone in town is terrified--except Hattie, who looks into the creature's friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster. She befriends the giant and names him Hudson. But how can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that he isn't scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.

Paperback. 40 pages. For ages 4-8.