Illustrations by Jon J Muth. Johnson and his sister, Beebee's mama has gone away many times before, but something tells them that this time she won't be coming back. Then a social worker comes and takes them to meet their aunt Gracie. Beebee barely remembers her, and Mama never even told Johnson about her. They wonder where she's been all this time - and why she would want to take care of them. Warily, though, the children begin to trust Aunt Gracie, and in the process, understand what it means to be a family. Full-colour, full-page illustrations. Ages 5-9.