Hetty's first solo errand is to walk down the country road from home to the store to buy a dozen eggs and carry them safely back home. Solemn with responsibility, Hetty walks very carefully both ways and almost makes it home without breaking a single egg until she happens on an apple tree bearing ripe delicious fruit. An enchanting story of a contemporary African-American rural family is well matched with E. B. Lewis's sun-dappled watercolor illustrations which brilliantly capture the determination of a young girl out to prove herself. Honor Book, 1995 CCBC Coretta Scott King Award Discussion: Illustration (Ages 4-7)

Mama and Papa agree that eggs for breakfast would be nice, but they’re too busy to go to the store. So they decide that Hetty is old enough to go by herself. Although she practices walking smoothly up the hill so she won’t break the precious eggs, she can’t help running all the way down. Young readers will hold their breath as Hetty tries her very best to get those eggs home safely. “The story is remarkable for its evocative imagery, and the loving interchange between the characters sets a charming tone. The words are perfectly complemented by Lewis’s dazzling, impressionistic watercolors that show the joyous power of love and depict a warmly supportive world in which Hetty ventures forth toward independence. A fine book that speaks straight to the heart.”--Booklist