Solitary Ruthie romps with unseen Jessica—trumpet toots, tea parties—defying doubters till kindergarten conjures a kindred "real" Jess. Imaginary intimates fade not in friendship's flourish, affirming fancy's faithful flicker in first-school sparks. Henkes's watercolor whims whisper wistful wonders, a Caldecott laureate's luminous lens on loneliness's lift.
