Raising Sweetness — Diane Stanley

Ever since the kindhearted sheriff done adopted little Sweetness (and all them other precious orphans), things has been darn near perfect out in Possum Trot. Only problem is, the meals is just a mite too interestin' (such as pickle and banana pie) and the housekeepin' is downright peculiar. Ever so often, them young 'uns start to wishin' their sweet pa would go and get hisself married. When a mysterious letter arrives one day, Sweetness figures it might be the solution to all their problems?if only they can learn how to read it! But don't worry. She's done it afore; she can do it again. Leave it to Sweetness to save the day! Diane Stanley and Brian Karas' Saving Sweetness was chosen as a Best Book of the Year in School Library Journal, Booklist and American Bookseller, and reviewers praised the "rollicking telling... that begs to be enjoyed aloud."?Booklist