"Rachel Fister's Blister" is one of the stories in "raising readers: Stories for Maine Children" which is the new book that all five-year-olds will receive at their well-child visit.

When Rachel Fister discovers a blister on her little toe, her parents summon the entire neighborhood to help find a cure. From hot tea to lemonade, from broccoli to prayer, nothing works until Queen Alice (" 'the smartest, that's for sure' ") provides the perfect suggestion. MacDonald's clever verse keeps the action perking along and constantly makes a silly situation even more absurd. And no one would have ever guessed there are so many rhymes for "blister!

Written by Maine author, Amy MacDonald, the story's infectious rhythm and rhyme demand that it be read aloud.

• Hear it read aloud by the Portland Stage Company!
  (Courtesy of the Maine Humanities Council)