Published by Clarion Books (a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).
Illustrated by Niki Daly.
2007
From Reviews:
From School Library Journal
Grade 1–3—An exuberant realtor drags a young couple and their son to a series of possible new homes with catchy, descriptive names. Still, the waves near Breezy Lake Lodge are too splashy, the landscape at Dry River Ranch is too sandy, and the vines around Briarwood Cabin are too thorny. At all of the unsuitable residences the pair, who are expecting another child, implore, “May we see another house, please?” Meanwhile, a raccoon dressed in a long overcoat and bowtie shows off the appealing qualities of a run-down but idyllic farm to the local animals. He invites families of finches, ducks, cats, foxes, and deer to “Raise your babies here.” They all agree that the farm is “Perfect.” Finally, the real-estate agent takes her clients to see it and they declare, “No other house will do.” On the last page, the family—they are now four—stand proudly in front of their refurbished home. The rhyming verse is enhanced by delicately shaded, atmospheric watercolors that aptly contrast the unfriendly settings of the rejected homes with the shady green tranquility of Old Mill Farm. This story does not address the concerns children face when they have to move. However, it does cleverly celebrate the importance of turning an unfamiliar house into a beloved home.
Kirkus Reviews
“Two enthusiastic realtors offer different spins on the same…property as their clients search for the perfect home.” Kirkus Reviews