National Network for Equitable Library Service

Resourceful fourteen-year-old Odette is on the move again, traveling as a stowaway on a cheese cart with her hapless mother, Anneline. They are in Burgundy, France, in 1799, fleeing yet another calamity caused by Anneline (who is prone to killing people accidentally). At dawn they find themselves in a town called Nevers, which is filled with eccentric characters, including a man who obsessively smells hands, another who dreams of becoming a chicken and a donkey that keeps the town awake at night, braying about his narrow life.

Outdoor activities! While camping the Timbertoes, look at the stars. Pa, Tommy, and Mabel go fishing. The family sees a meteor shower. Tommy goes to find a pumpkin for Ma.

Family teamwork! The Timbertoes know that teamwork makes the dream work and that when things go wrong no one has your back like family.

Nature! The Timbertoes make maple syrup. Tommy plays outside. Pa makes a telescope to look at the moon. The Timbertoes set out to forage nuts.

Crafting! The Timbertoes are a handy bunch, especially Pa! Pa makes a whistle for Tommy, and a doggy door for Spot. His plans don't go exactly as he wanted when he makes a snow buggy. Finally, all the Timbertoes join in, and have a fix-it day at their house.

Animals! The Timbertoes try to protect their garden from hungry animals. The Timbertoes copy an otter. A goat rings the porch bell. Tommy hears peeper frogs for the first time.

Silly Fun! Tommy and Mabel play a game of "keep it in the air." The Timbertoes try riding a unicycle. Tommy and Mabel go snow shoeing. Mabel digs a whole, try to guess what she plans to do with it.

Seasons! The Timbertoes work hard at the end of the season. They decorate their house for spring. In autumn, they build a leaf pile. The Timbertoes get ready for winter.

Wild Animals! A bird uses the thread from Tommy's hat to build a nest. While on a family trip, the Timbertoes see a moose. The Timbertoes hear a mysterious noise, while camping. Summer is even making the animals hot.

It takes work to have fun! Tommy searches for more honey for his snack. Tommy and Mabel build a tower, Pa builds a canoe, and the whole Timbertoes family puts together a picnic to enjoy.