My new favorite beginning chapter book series. I must have read the first one, Gooseberry Park, years ago, but I didn't remember it well. This third one is delightful with quirky, warm characters and illustrations. Kona the chocolate Lab is steady, loyal, and true. Gwendolyn the hermit crab is wise and gentle. Murray the bat is hilarious and loves donuts - and pizza, and Chinese food, and everything. I also love Murray's brother, Morton, whose home is a "perfectly arranged, one-with-the-universe Zen sanctuary in a tree" Ms. Rylant uses humor and emotion so well. The animal characters are the stars, but Professor Albert is well-rounded and kind, too. The professor named Kona after his favorite coffee and got him because he knew he needed to get out in nature more, being a bookish, nappish sort. Eleven chapters of pure joy. I can't wait to re-read the first in the series, and I missed the second one and have that to look forward to. I hope more gentle adventures are forthcoming. ( )