Diana and Her Rhinoceros — Edward Ardizzone

Diana Effingham-Jones is a sensible child. So sensible, in fact, that she doesn't panic when an escaped rhinoceros walks into the family's sitting room one winter evening. So sensible that she doesn't even panic when it's discovered that the baby's jacket is wrapped around the rhino's terrible horn. While her father hides behind the sofa and her mother wails that the baby has become a rhino's dinner, Diana discovers what's really going on with the great beast. As fresh today as when it was first published in 1964, this droll and unexpectedly tender tale of an unusual friendship is beautifully rendered in Edward Ardizzone's wonderful watercolor illustrations.