Friday's Harbor (30 page)

Sam pitchforked some fresh hay down into the yard. Hannah shambled over, propping her tire against the barn wall in the exact same spot she always did, and began to eat. He loved to watch the way she pinched up a switch of hay with her trunk, tucked it inside her mouth, and chewed as slow and deliberate as if her thoughts were a million miles away. In Burma maybe, in those teak forests Max Biedelman had used to tell him about; the place where shug was born.

More from Diane Hammond

HANNAH’S DREAM

For forty-one years, Samson Brown has been caring for Hannah, the lone elephant at the down-at-the-heels Max L. Biedelman Zoo. Having vowed not to retire until an equally loving and devoted caretaker is found to replace him, Sam rejoices when he meets the smart, compassionate Neva Wilson—the new elephant keeper. But the two soon realize that Hannah’s health is deteriorating and she is lonely, and they must band together to do whatever they can to save their beloved baby girl.

“Featuring a cast of endearingly quirky characters . . . this charming story enchants and provides . . . lighthearted and poignant moments.”

—
Library Journal

SEEING STARS

Ruth believes that her daughter, Bethany, is a terrific little actress. And if Bethany wants to leave the Pacific Northwest for Los Angeles and a merry-go-round of auditions, classes, and callbacks—well, Ruth will lead the way. Hollywood, of course, eats people like Ruth and Bethany for breakfast. Surrounded by other aspiring child stars, stage mothers, managers, and talent agents, Ruth and Bethany will discover just how far they can go, and maybe just how far they want to.