When Sophie chooses a squash at the farmers' market, her parents see a dinner dish. But Sophie sees a friend. "I call her Bernice," Sophie said. "I'll call for a pizza," said her mother. Bernice and Sophie do everything together, from story time at the library to somersaults in the garden. Eventually Bernice isn't quite as bright and firm as she once was. First black splotches appear ("freckles," Sophie insists), and as winter approaches she begins getting, well, squashy. Another trip to the farmers' market yields advice: fresh air, dirt, and love are what Bernice needs. Sophie makes her a bed of soil in the yard, and Bernice sleeps there all winter long while Sophie bonds with Ace the goldfish. Spring brings a joyous reunion, and a surprise: Bernice has sprouted leaves. Sophie and Ace picnic with Bernice all summer, but even greater changes are in store in debut Wisconsin author Pat Zietlow Miller's fresh, witty, finely paced picture book. Anne Wilsdorf's spirited illustrations perfectly match the tenor of a story full of humor and warmth. Sophie's absolute devotion and her parents' admirable restraint both are a delight. Honor Book, 2014 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3-7)

Kids will love this playful story of of a unique fall friendship between a girl . . . and her squash!

On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

The recipient of four starred reviews, an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, Sophie's Squash will be a fresh addition to any collection of autumn books.