The House on Dirty-Third Street

When a young girl and her mother move to a new house in a neighborhood that must be described as "Dirty-third street", the mother declares it perfect because they can afford it. She encourages her daughter to see the house through eyes of faith, then sets about creating their home. After joining a church and reaching out to the neighbors, their community grows and their house really does become the perfect fit for them.

Jo S. Kittinger's latest book has its roots in religion, but would appeal to anyone. The lessons of community that it teaches are important for those who need help and those who could lend a helping hand.

Thomas Gonzalez's artwork is impressive. His intricate pencil drawings look realistic and he smartly adjusts the colors as the book progresses. At first, the illustrations appear washed out and gray, but as the community grows, the home and everyone around it are more vibrant and bright.

Starting over can be difficult, having a book like "The House on Dirty-Third Street" can smooth the transition.