In this story, a young girl accompanies her grandfather on his dowsing expeditions, helping to locate underground water sources. He gets discouraged about his dowsing abilities as he grows older and encounters criticism from the rural community, but she encourages him. When the family pet goes missing the young girl rallies her grandfather to use his dowsing skills to help find the pig.

This story has important lessons to share about growing up, persevering in adversity, never giving up, and recognizing that sometimes the old ways are the best ways. The story has a definite beginning, middle and end. I would use this book as a read aloud for second graders and older students who are ready to examine a story for its' parts. A graphic organizer would be helpful for this purpose. I would follow up with students writing a review or summary cooperatively using their outline on the graphic organizer. ( )