A Perfect Day for Digging by Cari Best [Paperback]

In the spring when trees unfreeze and grass grows green and pansies say, “Please plant me!” Nell and her dog, Rusty, can’t wait to dig in dirt just right for digging. But Norman, their neighbor, says “Ewww!” to digging and dirt.

Until Nell and Rusty begin to dig up unexpected treasures: a pretty striped marble, the mini stegosaurus that Nell lost last summer, and most intriguing of all—part of a tiny china doll. Who played with it? Is there more? Norman wonders.

Now, even Norman can’t resist. He rolls up his sleeves, picks up the extra trowel, and starts to dig in his own careful way—in the process discovering all the simple joys of digging, dirt, and the fun of trying something new. Words and pictures brimming with humor and exuberance capture one of the true rites of spring: Hooray for dirty digging!

40 Pages

For ages 3 and up

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About the Author

Cari Best’s acclaimed picture books have delighted many young readers and includeWhen We Go Walking, as well asSally Jean the Bicycle QueenandShrinking Violet, both selectedSchool Library JournalBest Books of the Year. When she’s not writing, walking, or riding her bike, Cari Best can be found digging with her dog, Jennie, in her own back yard, where she never knows what treasures she’ll discover. Cari Best lives in Connecticut.

Christine Davenier has illustrated many popular picture books, including Cari Best’s popularSally Jean the Bicycle Queenand the best-sellingThe Very Fairy Princessby Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. She lives in Paris and in Ligerolles, France, where she takes great joy in digging in her own garden–and in getting dirty.