Lily is a little girl who walks home from school with her mother everyday, until she sees the Paper Man. She becomes frightened of the homeless man who tries to make a living selling papers for $1.00. After that they take the bus home each day. When winter comes and the first snowfall beckons, she wants to walk again. When she sees the paper man she notices that he is not very well dressed and he is not wearing socks, she can see his toes through the holes in his shoes. She asks her mother about him and she is told that he does not have warmer clothes and they are lucky to have so much. This starts her thinking. After a few days she is able to gather up or buy clothes, socks, a hat, scarf and mittens. She introduces herself to the paper man and finds out his name is Ray. She gives him everything in her bag, even her quilt that her grandma made her when she was little. both Lily and Ray are happy with this solution.

What a wonderful way to teach children about homelessness, compassion and social justice. It shows that anyone, no matter how young can make a difference if they set their mind to it.

I love to see stories that challenge children to think and to feel grateful for what they have, and I can see that 'Lily and the Paperman' would do just that. Full of points for discussion in the school classroom and within the family, Lily's sensitive contemplation of the paperman and her attempt at resolving the situation is heart-warming and educational. Adult readers would appreciate that this is indeed not the end of Ray's misery, but it is an excellent starting point for children. The accompanying illustrations are perfect. A lovely story.