Former Caldecott Medalist Allen Say captures young readers' imaginations with his life-like, elegant illustrations and simple story about a boy whose own imagination saves him from boredom. While his father visits with a wealthy neighbor, Mr. Ozu, the boy decides to explore Mr. Ozu's gardens. Distracted by their conversation, the adults do not notice him until they discover him treating a statue of a crane as though it were real. Embarrassed, the boy runs off and falls asleep in a small cottage on the grounds, dreaming of the story of The Grateful Crane.  In this traditional story, a crane is saved by a woodsman and then turns into a beautiful woman whom he marries.  The little boy dreams he is that woodsman until his father finds and awakens him.  But can he be sure it was only a dream?