In the mid-1900s, many families in northern Wisconsin had no phones and were a two-hour drive from the hospital. Storms and unplowed roads could prevent them from venturing out for medical attention. But tying a red cloth to a tree branch would bring Dr. Kate to their door, even if she had to travel by snowshoes to get there. Dr. Kate was in demand, visiting patients where they lived and at distant medical centers while wishing for a hospital near her home. A classroom of children challenged to imagine what a million pennies would look like was inspired to collect them to fund building a hospital for Dr. Kate. The students wrote letters requesting donations, counted the incoming pennies, tracked their origins on a map, and typed thank-you notes. The penny-collection story was reported in national newspapers and newsreels, prompting incoming pennies from across the U.S. and abroad. Although the school reached their million-penny goal (totaling $10,000), it was not enough to build a hospital, but continued publicity eventually yielded the required amount. Illustrations highlighting the collection include a giant penny heap covering the gym floor, and sightseers having their picture taken atop a penny pile. A spectacular double-page spread filled with nothing but tiny pennies upon pennies invites children to contemplate the number, coincidentally at a time when the coin is exiting the U.S. currency stage. An excellent Author’s Note shares additional details about Kate Pelham’s life and includes a photo of her trekking on snowshoes, doctor bag in hand.