Abby's Birds — Ellen Schwartz

Abby makes an unlikely friend in her neighborhood -- her elderly Japanese neighbor, Mrs. Naka. All spring and summer, the two delight in the robins that live in the maple tree that straddles their yards, following the birds' progress as they nest and the babies hatch and learn to fly. Mrs. Naka teaches Abby how to make tori -- origami birds. Later, when Mrs. Naka has an accident, will Abby be able to use her new skill to conjure up a surprise to comfort her ailing neighbor?