Grace loves spending time with her aunt Lily. Lily is a writer and teachers Grace interesting words like melancholy and procrastinate. The only problem is Lily has writers block and even her writer’s group is not able to help. She puts an ad in the paper looking for an assistant. The next thing she knows a man shows up in a magician’s hat with a dog named Rex. Rex is not an ordinary dog. He can understand and communicate with humans. He is also able to type and helps Lily with her writing. It makes Grace more interested in writing and telling her story when she has to do a report for school. I would recommend this for any collection owning others by this well-loved author. Rex is a sweet dog who inspires Lily and Grace, who learns more about herself and grows a little along the way. It just goes to show that all you need is someone to believe in you to make things a little better. ( )

I always purchase Patricia MacLachlan's newest book as soon as it comes out. She is always wise and consistent and comforting. As is Rex - of course! ( )