A message-in-a-bottle in the form of a balloon brings neighbors Molly O'Doon and Katie McCloat together in this sweet rhyming tale. Found on the shelf as I was looking for Emily Jenkins. Serendipity! ( )

I liked the direct, positive tone of this book very much. The children in my family and in the schools where I've worked appreciate happy-ending stories, especially when they're set in typical American neighborhoods.

The plot had a touch of excitement when the balloon soared high enough to be a "silhouette on the moon" above a wave-tossed boat.

The partially-colored line illustrations were gentle and pleasing, except for the dark mystery conveyed by the sky in the moon/waves page spread.

The edition I have (which came free in a box of Cheerios)was bilingual, and I'd like to compliment the translator, whose name was not given. The rhythm of the Spanish words was practically perfect. ( )