Do the animals know it's Christmas Eve? It's Christmas Eve on Nova Scotia's South Shore, and nine-year-old Rachel and her younger brother, Nathan, are caught up in the excitement of the season. This year, Rachel is less interested in coloured lights and gifts than finding out whether the legend that all animals can speak at the hour of midnight on Christmas Eve is true. None of the adults seem to believe it, and even Nathan seems more concerned with the imminent arrival of Santa Claus than that old, holy story. Little does she know, Nathan has a surprise gift for his sister -- a small wonder of his own to share. Gorgeous full-colour paintings by award-winning illustrator Don Kilby capture the beauty of Lunenburg, N.S. and surrounding communities, and are the perfect accompaniment to this special story about everyday miracles by newcomer Amy Bennet.