At the library, Vincent discovered that reading to seven-year-olds demanded more courage than negotiating with hostile shipping executives.

Sophie insisted he use a different voice for each animal in a book about a stubborn fox.

His imitation of an owl was so terrible that an entire row of children dissolved into laughter.

“You sound like a vacuum cleaner,” Sophie informed him afterward.

“I’ll practice.”

“You should.”

June watched from beside the circulation desk.

When the other children left, she sat with him and placed a small paper envelope between them.