Because I started reading them out of order, this third book is the fifth one I've read from this series. And it's now the fourth of these tales that has moved me. Like, moved me for real.

It bears reemphasizing: The fact that the Tales from Deckawoo Drive are children's chapter books doesn't mean they're just cutesy, thin little yarns. Juvenile fluff, so to speak. Of course, the books are written simply enough so that youngsters can enjoy and get something out of the stories. And the quirky, cartoonish aspects to the characters are plenty entertaining. Especially with such wacky and wonderful illustrations bringing the characters further to life.

But there's a lot behind the simple words in these tales. When reading other books in the series, I didn't know for sure if "Baby" is Baby Lincoln's real name or a nickname. That matter makes for quite the revelation in this story. Plus, I got kind of teary during a sisterly scene before the Coda. And the last couple of pages, along with the telling illustration at the end, made me weep.

Honestly. After I finished reading, I sat there and cried for at least a good five minutes or so. Not that I think the story is meant to put everybody in tears, but just saying.

Granted, when I read these Deckawoo Drive books, a part of my brain wonders, "Am I personally seeing and taking more out of the stories than even most other grownups would? Did the author herself even know or intend to write all this when she wrote these tales?"

Well. It's okay, because either way, this story really spoke to me. So far, besides the Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Clearly that I loved as a child (and still love to this day), this is my favorite children's book series. ( )

So good to see a story for children that includes interesting older characters as protagonists! ( )

I've started reading chapter books to my children at night. They get to chose (from what we have) and this is where we begin. I don't think I could have chosen a better first book.

[b:Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?|28588031|Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?|Kate DiCamillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1458679553l/28588031._SX50_.jpg|48755251] tells the story of Baby Lincoln striking out on her own, taking a Necessary Journey by train to... well, it doesn't really matter in the end, does it? (Fluxom. They're going to Fluxom.)

I've always loved the world [a:Kate DiCamillo|13663|Kate DiCamillo|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1402414985p2/13663.jpg] has created and this is no exception. It's a fun book and a quick read and has a few nuggets of goodness hidden in there. DiCamillo certainly does have a way with words:

Baby leaned back in her seat. The train seemed to be going faster, and from somewhere far away Baby heard music. It was a song that she knew but couldn't quite place.

"Do you hear music?" she said to Sheila.

"I hear something," said Sheila.

She closed her eyes. She was quiet.

"I've got a physics professor who says that the stars sing to each other all the time. Isn't that cool? Maybe the music we're hearing is the stars singing.”

That right there sounds like the seed of a story worth reading/writing. ( )

This was such a wonderful story. Lucelle 'Baby' Lincoln goes on a necessary journey thanks to a dream. She meets many wonderful characters and friends along the way as she is stepping out from under the strong personality of her sister Eugenia. She realizes she can be her own person and have her own thoughts.This story is amazing and wonderful. Kate is a sublime storyteller and all this is on display in this wonderful story. DiCamillo manages to show the spiritual side of travelling alone. ( )

[b:Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?|28588031|Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? (Tales from Deckawoo Drive, #3)|Kate DiCamillo|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1458679553s/28588031.jpg|48755251], the third in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series by Kate DiCamillo, features Baby Lincoln, and her "Necessary Journey."

Baby Lincoln is ready for a change, but she is not quite sure what type of change, or how to go about causing the change. She is inspired by a dream and the sound of a train whistle to go on a journey. On the journey, she meets and helps several people who help her in turn.

The series is adorable, from the engaging artwork, to the wonderful storytelling, and the standout characters. DiCamillo has a talent for using a few words to paint a thorough picture each character who lives on Deckawoo Drive. The books are written to be enjoyable whether you have read the previous books in the series or not. Also, Mercy Watson makes a small appearance in this edition.

Highy Recommended, for all ages. It is a great book, and would be wonderful book to read to young readers, as well as a excellent chapter book for readers.


**eARC Netgalley**

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