PB - Leaving Mr. Humphries (by Alison Lohans)

Paperback
22.9 x 22.9 cm (9 x 9in)
Illustrated by Gretchen Ehrsam

Josh's mom thinks Josh is too old for Mr. Humphries, his teddy bear, but when Josh has to stay at the summer cottage with Grandpa, it's Mr. Humphries who keeps him company--at night in the attic room, on long dark walks to the outhouse, and even for boat rides on the lake.

When Mr. Humphries has an adventure of his own, Josh isn't sure he's ready to let him go.

"There are some writers you can always depend on to turn out a good book, regardless of the genre... The ability to genre-hop and keep the literary standards at high-bar are Lohans’ trademarks, so I’m not surprised that Leaving Mr. Humphries, her tender story about a child reluctant to let go of his stuffed blue teddy bear, Mr. Humphries, also delivers a read that simultaneously entertains and plucks at the heart-strings....

What first impressed was how quickly I was engaged. With kids’ books, writers don’t have the luxury to slowly beguile readers, and Lohans instantly gets us into the main character’s head and heart-space...

Regardless of their intended audience, children's books first have to pass muster with the wallet holders... I asked myself this: Were I not reviewing Leaving Mr. Humphries, would middle-aged me buy this book? You bet your blue teddy bear I would!"
Shelley Leedahl, from two reviews appearing in Sask Books and Weyburn This Week

"Lohans' writing is crisp and descriptive. The characterization of loving older relatives taking care of an anxious child in their simple way is touching. Josh shows real growth in the course of his visit. Recommended."
Ellen Heaney, in CM Magazine


Finalist: 2015 Saskatchewan Book Awards, Children’s Literature
Finalist: 2015 Shining Willow Award
Finalist: 2014 High Plains Book Awards, Children's Literature