In this uproarious exploration of the joys of reading, a long-time teacher, lifelong reader and The New Yorker contributor shares surprising stories from her life and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students and shows us how literature can transform us for the better.

"In a suspenseful collection of stories featuring fierce women--including one never-before-published novella--New York Times bestseller Laura Lippman showcases why she is one of today's top crime writers"--

A mother bear tries to get her cub to go to bed, but he wants to climb a honey tree, catch a fish in a river, watch the sunset, and listen to the hooting of an owl before curling up in the den and falling asleep.

Mother Pig reads bedtime stories to her little pigs, including "The Pig Prince, " "The Ugly Pigling, " "Piggerella, " and "the Prince and the Porker."

A pup on an elevator adds various animals along the way as he ascends to the very last floor.

A little girl explains why her toys are in a big mess all over her bedroom floor.

A bear who wishes to be the bestdressed bear at a dance receives help from all the animal clerks in the store.

Grandma Dragon's birthday requires a special present. What will it be?