Russell Hoban

Frances decides she likes to eat only bread and jam at every meal--until to her surprise--her parents grant her wish.

Frances is jealous of her sister's birthday, but birthday spirit moves her to reluctantly give her coveted gift.

In Frogtown Hollow live Emmet and Ma Otter, a family with little money but lots of love. With Christmas coming, they want very much to buy each other a store-bought gift, but are barely scraping by doing odd jobs. When a local talent contest offers a special prize. Emmet must make a sacrifice to join his jug band for the competition. Will the jug band prevail or will fierce competition from the Riverbottom Gang steal the show - and the prize?