Blaming The Bad Luck for not being anyone's Favorite, fourth-grader Penelope Crumb hopes to change this situation by becoming the lead artist for the mural her class is painting for the residents of Potwaller's Blessed Home for the Aging.

Shawn K. Stout has held many jobs, including ice cream scooper, dog treat baker, magazine editor, and waitress. She also holds the job of ?mother” to her daughter Opal, and once won a ribbon for her Peach Pie at the Great Fredrick Fair. www.shawnkstout.com