Rarely does a children's book touch my heart as much as this book does.

Kate DiCamillo's novel about a lonely preacher's daughter tugged at my heartstrings. And as a dog lover, I loved Winn-Dixie. He is always smiling and loyal.

Surprisingly, the movie follows the novel quite closely, except with the addition of a couple of characters. Dave Matthews is charming as the guitar-playing pet store man, and Annasophia Robb shines as Opal.

Read the book. Watch the movie. Both are fabulous.