Leo is a long-haired white boy who lives with his father in a little blue house, and that’s the way it’s always been. The paint is peeling, the whole place is drafty, and the heater only works part of the time. It’s their house, though, and they love it. They cook, dance, grow food, and explore together. When eminent domain takes the house from their landlord, they’re forced to move. Leo and his dad are really upset, and frankly quite MAD. To work out their anger, they have a jam session where Leo does “a special scream solo.” When they move to their new house, it isn’t the same, but slowly and surely, it begins to feel like home as well.

There are so many things to love about this book. First, a boy living only with his father in dilapidated old house. Second, displays of love, affection, and wonderful coping mechanisms for processing emotions. Third, the illustrations are gorgeous and really bring the emotion out in this story. This sort of a father-son relationship is rarely depicted in picture books, so it is refreshing to see. The text is simple and not overdone. There are enough words to convey the story without being overly wordy. Recommended for wide purchase and for Cream of the Crop. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME