Janice is the subject of the town gossips for four reasons: she wears too much lipstick, her hair is too big, she is a single-mother and her two children are strange. Ray (6) is a hellraiser and Tony (9) is autistic. One day, however, Tony sits down at the piano and plays Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Janice knows there may be hope for him (and them) yet.—David Kinne <[email protected]>

Tony Johnston was diagnosed autistic because of oxygen deficiency at birth. Only his younger, normal and sweetly protective brother Ray really understands the 'weird' kid, who regularly strips starkers to enjoy the rain. When their ma, flippantly headstrong waitress and cleaner Janice, discovers Tony's amazing talent as a pianist by ear, she uproots them, u huge sacrifice for Ray, to seeks a place in a reputed Boston school for the handicapped. Although too late and disregarding countless rules, the plea is granted, a piano donated and music teacher Thomas Deblois makes Tony his pet project, while romantically interested in 'Texan tornado' Janice.—KGF Vissers