Sarah Bryant has nightmares after her little dog Patches is killed in a barn fire. Grandmother Bryant knows roots and herbs which might make bad dreams go away. But just as important to Sarah's healing are the stories, songs and patience that make a little girl feel safe and loved. A one-eyed cat, a gaggle of geese, a selfish old neighbor and the small, special things in Grandmother Bryant's pocket also play a role in Sarah's recovery from sorrow. Set in 1787, this comforting story with its down-to-earth characters is charmingly told without being sweet. Petra Mathers's watercolor illustrations are detailed and lively; perfect for this intimate 6 x 7 1/4 " book. (Ages 5-7)