I really enjoyed Mr. Nick's Knitting. It told of a man and woman who always knitted on the train together. One day the lady got sick, and did not join the man on the train. The man knitted the lady a quilt for her to have in the hospital. These two people were the best of friends, and they continued to be best friends while she was sick. I would use this book to teach my students about friendship and illness. ( )

From Australia, a cheery, unusual book. Mr. Nick and Mrs. Jolley are portly, middle-aged commuters who enjoy sitting together on the train, where both knit: she makes animal toys while he keeps 22 nephews and nieces in sweaters. Then Mrs. Jolley is hospitalized. Lonely, Mr. Nick pays her a visit, finding her sad and discouraged. A week later, he is back with the perfect present: he has knit a patchwork of 32 bright, happy scenes. Huxley's ebullient watercolor illustrations make this special - even the other train passengers are deftly characterized, while Mr. Nick's enthusiasm for his hobby (even in the bathtub) exudes from every page and the pair's affection is as warm as Ernest and Celestine's.