Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award

All children like to hear stories about when they were small. In this charming picture book by Sara O'Leary and Julie Morstad, a young boy and his father reminisce together before bedtime. For chidren there is a whole period of their life that they can not remember and, for all they know, it could have been the most magical time of their life.

Timmerman is mysterious. Moreover, he is bitterly resented by the young girl who lives in the same boardinghouse. After all, he occupies her beloved granddad's now-vacant room. How dare he think he can take that space?

But try as she might, the girl cannot dislike him forever. Timmerman is kind, gentle, and soft-spoken to everyone, even the dog, who lets him untangle her matted coat. Despite herself, the girl becomes fond of him.

When rumors begin to fly, she tries not to listen. But it's hard, especially when Timmerman is often seen late at night, wandering the streets with a shovel and sack over his shoulder. Is he stashing stolen goods? Burying dead cats? The girl takes a black eye for defending him at school. Even so, curiosity compels her to ask the question she knows she shouldn't ask. Though Timmerman promises an explanation in time, he avoids a direct answer and disappears shortly after, leaving the girl to worry and wonder.

Not until spring is the answer to Timmerman's nighttime walks beautifully presented, leaving the entire street with a living memory of Timmerman's presence.

Timmerman Was Here is a charming tale of mystery, perception, and the gift of friendship.

Cary Fagan is the award-winning author of several young adult novels and picture books. This wonderful new story is about stories, and story-telling, and is sure to enchant and instruct children at home and at school for years to come.
 
This is the story of a bored little boy, who meets a man, and together they build a story. This story within a story is charming and changes both their lives... and quite possibly the readers as well.