The widow McDowell and her seven-year old son Thomas ask the gruff Jonathan Toomey, the best wood-carver in the valley, to carve the figures for a Christmas creche.
Patty Dillman makes a New Year's resolution to become friends with the popular, rich Penni Pendleton. Her old friends and a prison inmate pen-pal, though, help her see which friends and which promises are really important.
Having dreaded starting back to school, eighth grader Patty becomes involved in many activities as she learns the importance of friendship and the thrill of first love.
