If your kids like helping you fix or build things, then I guarantee they’ll enjoy Sarah Garland’s Eddie’s Toolbox. Not surprisingly the subtitle is “and How to Make and Mend Things.”
But it’s also a kid’s book about friendships and single parents.
Eddie is disappointed when he sees new neighbors moving in as he had hoped for a new friend his age. On the other hand his sister Lily is delighted as she will have a new playmate – Tilly. Without spelling it out, Eddie’s Mum (it’s a British book so she’s a Mum not a Mom) is a single parent. So is her new neighbor Tom. Soon Tom gets Eddie to help him out whether building a bed or putting up shelves while teaching him how to use tools safely. Then Pusskin the cat kills a sparrow! But this only reinforces the bond between the two neighboring families as they bury the bird and Eddie decides to build a tall bird table.
The storyline develops with the girls becoming best friends and Eddie inspired to make and mend things at home. Meanwhile the images, not words, show that a possible romance may be developing between the two single parents as they glance at each other in various scenes and help each other out.
Although there is something very warm and fuzzy about Eddie’s Toolbox, it’s also realistic and unsentimental. It’s like taking a sneak look into these British families’ lives. The mum is always dressed casually and sometimes looks rather frazzled. Lily screams when she has a bath. The cat kills a bird. The parents are single.
And then there are the tools!
When we moved into our house this month, my kids had to watch and then help their father put together a bookcase. They were curious and each wanted to have a turn using a hammer to put in some of the nails. In Eddie’s Toolbox not only does the storyline continually give helpful hints but it also has a great appendix. Here there are descriptions of tools, safety advice and even information on how to make birdfeed. It’s a great way to explain to kids, who are ever so curious about those useful gadgets in the garage or toolshed, how to safely use them with adult supervision. And if you want a craft project it explains how to make the bird table and what you should put in the bird feeders.
The author of the book, Sarah Garland, has written over 40 books, mainly children’s books but also on gardening. She is also the illustrator of the wonderful images painted in watercolor. There are some lovely details from snails in the grass and birds landing and playing on the bird table. Her mother was an illustrator too, but Garland was brought up by her grandmother and then trained as a typographer at the London College of Printing. Her father also wrote children’s books and her sister is the novelist Deborah Moggach.
And my kids? They loved the book. They want their own toolboxes too.
I actually discovered Eddie’s Toolbox by Sarah Garland in a small bookshop this summer in Savannah! Eddie’s Toolbox, however, is also available via my affiliate links on US Amazon and UK Amazon.
Renee LaTulippe (@ReneeMLaTulippe) says
Ooh, I have two little boys who would love this! I just put tool belts on their Xmas list the other day, so this would be a nice companion. Thanks for sharing this book, which I hadn’t heard of before! (Found you through the blog hop.)
Kriss says
I like that there are safety instructions included in the story and appendix
Catherine says
I really like the sound of this book, especially with the appendix and the bird table to make.
Hopping over from the kid lit blog hop 🙂
Kriss says
My kids became very excited at the thought of constructing their own.
Reshama says
Kriss this is such an interesting book! I love to read stories that read like life events. This is a great find. And that is so interesting about the author! That she comes from a family of such highly creative and talented folks! Thanks for sharing on Kid Lit Blog Hop.
-Reshama @Stackingbooks.com
Kriss says
I’m actually quite keen on finding out more on her books now
bamauthor says
I have a three and 1/2 year old grandson who would love this book.
Keitha says
This sounds like a great book. Each week, I usually make lunches based on the books my son and I read together. I can already picture some of the things I would put into a lunch based on your description of this book. I will have to look for it.
Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews says
This sounds like a sweet picture book about relationships. Sometimes relationships between people occur the most unexpected way; like between the boy and the Dad who moves in next door. Those mentor relationships are so important especially when there is an absent parent (for whatever reason). Your book fits with my book this week! We should have themes! lol
Thanks for linking in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 🙂
MummaG says
This sounds like a brilliant book, I may have to get this for little mans collection when he gets a bit older.
Emma says
I think my 6 year old would enjoy this book. Great review!
Kriss says
It’s fun but warning they do want to build after reading it!
Molly @ The Move to America says
This looks like a good thing to have – the book sounds great!
Thanks for stopping by the #SilentSunday link-up!
Charly Dove says
Great review Kriss, sounds like a fabulous book 🙂
julie Roo says
I love the way you photographed this, with tools. Brilliant. 🙂
Brittnei says
This is so cute. My son (even though he’s only 17 months old) would love to help Daddy with tools. He copies everything we do. He often uses a shirt to scrub the floor or wipe something down because he sees me cleaning. He also loves to be read to. I’m looking forward to when he can really help Daddy with the toolbox. Thank you for sharing with us on Mommy Monday! xoxo
Kriss says
Yes kids love to copy us! That’s another reason I liked this book as it gave me a chance to discuss some of the safety issues about tools.