When her beloved forest no longer gives her comfort and her brother Razo invites Rinna to the city to be one of Queen Ani's waiting women, she happily accepts, only to discover her own strength comes from places both expected and unexpected. Ever since her brother Razo introduced her to the trees, Rin has turned to them for peace or reassurance, even direction--that is, until the day they seem to reject her. Rin is sure something is wrong with her,...

Every day, no matter how hot, Lala carries a pot of water around the corner to a patch of dirt and concrete, waters the tiny weeds sprouting there, and whispers words of encouragement to her plant friends. Then, on the hottest day of all, her mother insists she stay home, but Lala worries about her friends and whispers words of love--with a magical result.