Timmerman Was Here

Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
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$19.95 US
Tundra | Tundra Books
36 per carton
On sale Sep 08, 2009 | 9780887768903
Age 4-6 years
Sales rights: World
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.
Praise for Thing-Thing:
Thing-Thing is about a homely toy that just wants to be loved . . . told and illustrated in [a] contemporary style that brings new vitality to a genre best typified by The Velveteen Rabbit. . . . [Fagan’s] . . . witty, expressive style is well served by the inventive illustrations of Debon . . . to give a wonderfully funny account of Thing-Thing’s adventure.”
— Starred Review, Quill & Quire

About

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.

Praise

Praise for Thing-Thing:
Thing-Thing is about a homely toy that just wants to be loved . . . told and illustrated in [a] contemporary style that brings new vitality to a genre best typified by The Velveteen Rabbit. . . . [Fagan’s] . . . witty, expressive style is well served by the inventive illustrations of Debon . . . to give a wonderfully funny account of Thing-Thing’s adventure.”
— Starred Review, Quill & Quire