For Rent

For Rent
Charles E. Martin ~ Greenwillow Books, 1986

The simplicity and charm of this story is almost shocking, really. Ordinary magic tinted with a bit of mystery. A wonderful tale that unfolds after a group of school children are gifted a small shed on the seashore.

It was the last day of school. Mrs. Gray held a letter in her hand. It was from Mrs. Burton, a lady who had grown up on the island and had recently moved away. It was addressed to the island children. It said:

"When I was a little girl, my family gave me the small shed on the cove. My friends and I spent a lot of time there. It was our clubhouse and our second home. Now I want you to have it. Clean it up, take good care of it, and be as happy with it as we were."

The children were very quiet. They had all like Mrs. Burton, but they had never expected anything like this.

Indeed! The children break out the elbow grease and paint and create a wonderful hideaway. So wonderful, in fact, that they decide to rent it for the summer to raise money for a school trip. A few mismatches are made, but finally they find a tenant worthy of such a fine clubhouse.

I wish all children's books were filled with this kind of quiet heart. Bravo Mr. Martin, wherever you are. Bravo.

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