Animal, the Vegetable, and John D. Jones — Betsy Byars / Betsy Cromer Byars

It was supposed to be a great vacation for  everyone. Clara and Deanie were thrilled about spending  time with their father now that the divorce was  final. But they're surprised and horrified at  having to share Dad with his girl friend and her  stuck-up son right in the same beach house! And for his  part, John D. Jones can't stand the arrangement  either, especially the squabbling girls, whom he dubs  the Animal and the  Vegetable.



When Clara falls asleep on her plastic raft and is  washed out to sea, everyone is hopeful until the  float turns up without her. It's the first time  they've all pulled together But is it too late to  reveal their true feelings?