One summer, while exploring the town during their annual stay at Grandma’s house, two siblings and their cousin come across a creepy old house. The kids poke around, one of them causing mischief and tossing rocks at the window, until they glimpse a ghost through the glass! Later, Grandma reveals the house doesn’t belong to a ghost—just old Mr. Peterson.

After visiting again with better intentions, the kids discover Mr. Peterson’s great sense of humor and that his house is full of fascinating things: old toys, photographs, even a film projector. They become regular visitors, until one day, Mr. Peterson is gone: he has left for a retirement home, and his house sits empty. Using odds, ends, and gifts he gave them, the kids create mementos of Mr. Peterson’s home to give back to him.

Full of heart, this picture book incorporates graphic novel elements to tell a layered and moving story about an intergenerational friendship. It shows how appearances can be deceiving: sometimes the best adventure awaits where you least expect it.

KARI RUST is the author and illustrator of Tricky and The House at the End of the Road. Kari has a background in character animation and design, and her hand-drawn images are full of warmth, style, and humor. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Kari lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Kari Rust's profile page

• Nominated for the Chocolate Lily Book Award
• Shortlisted for the Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picture Book of the Year Award
• A Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Book for Kids and Teens (starred selection)
• CBC Books - 30 Canadian picture books to watch for this fall

"This delightful excursion into multi-generational relationships is a really refreshing look at how young people can find meaningful friendships with people of other generations."

School Library Connection

"The comics-inspired format and sensitive themes about looking deeply, questioning assumptions, and finding beauty everywhere make this memorable."

The Horn Book

"The first-person narrative makes for a very personal telling, and their story is packed with suspense, detail and warmth."

Sal's Fiction Addiction

”Quiet and reflective, as fleeting as summertime itself.”

Kirkus Reviews

"A sweet intergenerational story with gorgeous illustrations. The message that it is necessary to look past first appearances is one that is sure to resonate with parents and caregivers."

School Library Journal

"A great book to teach empathy, kindness, and neighborly love."

Booklist

"Not only a story of friendship bridging the generational divide, but it’s also a nostalgic recollection of the way summertime punctuates a childhood."

Canadian Review of Materials