This story about friendship and shyness plays out in a mini theatre, as a child unwittingly brings light and color--literally--into a lonely person's life. Damm creates a diorama from cardboard and photographs the scenes, giving the illustrations a special luminosity and depth.and depth.

Elise was frightened--of spiders, people, even trees. So she never went out, night or day. One day a strange thing flies in through the window and lands at her feet. And then there comes a knock at the door. Elise has a visitor who will change everything.

A gentle and sympathetic story about friendship and shyness that plays out in a mini theater, as a child unwittingly brings light and color--literally--into a lonely person's life. The unique artwork has a doll's house appeal. Damm creates a diorama from cardboard and photographs the scenes, giving the illustrations a special luminosity and depth. A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book!