Every child has a favorite piece of clothing. But every child also has a growing body, and we all know that fashion almost never cooperates with that.

"Lulu's Lovely Dress That's Too Small" is the third and newest book in children's-book author and Wareham resident Gretchan Pyne's Lulu series. Set for release on Monday, it is a story in which that mothers -- and children -- will likely be able to see themselves.

The battle begins in Lulu's room, where the youngster is adamant about wearing the dress that she has picked out for school. Lulu's mom cannot, for the life of her, understand why, but she comes up with an ingenious compromise: She will let Lulu wear the dress if she wears shorts underneath. When a picture arrives from preschool weeks later, Lulu's mom is mortified. That day was picture day! How could she have dressed Lulu like that on picture day?

"But then she really looked at Lulu's picture again and all that she saw was her magical grin," writes Pyne.

In the end, Lulu and her mom give her lovely dress away, learning that "a gift of Love is never too small."

It's a lesson that Pyne has learned herself. Lulu was Pyne's daughter. She died at age 3 when, during a family vacation on the Cape, an unsecured bike rack toppled on her, severing her heart. Pyne turned her grief into children's books, believing that Lulu had revealed to her that a single moment can alter the course of a person's life and ultimately change what they become.

"It is in such a moment that a person has a rare and unique opportunity to live fearlessly...and give," said Pyne. "The message for all parents is that if you slow down and really listen to your kids, they have really important things to say.  Adults get caught up in life, and children remind us of what's really important."

To promote this message, Pyne has partnered with GiftsToGive, a South Coast nonprofit, student-powered community organization. GiftsToGive provides students with service-learning opportunities by having them work a "shift" in the organization's refurbished mill in New Bedford processing and assembling gift packages for in-need South Coast kids. Every child can help, and every child can learn the power of giving.

"Lulu's book is completely about giving, so it's just such a natural partnership," Pyne said. "GiftsToGive promotes people to give."

To meet Pyne and learn more about Lulu and how you can help spread her message of giving, a number of combined book signings and clothing drives are being scheduled for March.  The clothing will be donated to Wareham families in need.

Saturday, March 13, at 1 p.m. at Best Friends Preschool in Wareham

Saturday, March 20, at 1 p.m. at Baker Books in North Dartmouth.

Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Mother Daughter Tea Party at Gifts to Give, Cove Street Mill, New Bedford

Saturday March 27, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the Old Company Store in Wareham.

"You're never through the grieving process," said Pyne.  "But you can choose whether to be a victim or not, and I choose not to be.  Lulu brought us so much joy, and she continues to bring me joy everyday."

For more information, please contact Gretchan Pyne at 508-930-9051 or visit www.lulubellebooks.com.