Times are tough, and he's not sure his family will have enough money to spare to celebrate the way they always have. His dog, Frank, thinks worrying is a waste of time, especially when Don could be scratching his ears. And his little sister, Susan, is sure that Santa will bring the gift she wants, but she won't tell anyone what it is. Told in alternating voices by a boy and his dog, this homespun novel is Bill Wallace at his best.

    Now hes lost in the woods, with no way to get home and a dangerous new enemy. Fortunately, a group of new friends, including a mouse, an injured crow, a newt, and a shrew, will help him find and repair his plane so he can try to get back home.

    Yet it was big Peter's gift to small Peter -- a shiny toy spade with a red handle, and a small green tree lighted with tiny candles -- that caused Shantytown people to have hope again. And with new hope the grass grew, and there were gardens, and the junk heaps were cleaned up and the sagging doors were put back on their hinges. This is a modern miracle, through which sad and beaten houses became white and neat and shining, and desolate, hopeless people found that love and hope can still move mountains. There are no saints and angels; just a tramp, an Irish cop, a small boy, and City Hall, but Shanytown becomes Peter's Landing and faith was reborn.

    Indigo Martha and her friends discover that running to follow a dream is the only way they'll find the true meaning of 'home'.