Grace's aunt is a writer who works with words every day, and teaches Grace how to use interesting terms like "melancholy" and "delirious." But in this novel for readers 8 to 12 by the Newbery Medal-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Aunt Lily is often "flummoxed" by her own writing; her stories don't go anywhere, her desk is a mess, and her writer's group can't help. So Aunt Lily posts an ad for an assistant, and the next day, Grace opens the door, and there is Rex: a Labrador retriever who will change their lives. The word "amazing" is an everyday word for Rex, who inspires Lily, and helps Grace find the words to write her own story.

"MacLachlan again proves her gift for shaping endearing and credible characters—even a magical canine—in this bright yet reflective story."—Publishers Weekly