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Mr. Gedrick and Me
New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman delivers a modern reimagining of the classic Mary Poppins tale in this story about family, grief, and healing—with a dash of magic!
Stanley Darrow isn’t sure what to expect when the mysterious Mr. Gedrick appears on his doorstep. He is certain, however, that his family could use Mr. Gedrick’s help: Their lives—and their house—have been a mess since Stanley’s dad died.
The strange new nanny quickly helps them transform their cluttered home into a sparkling and spotless version of its former self, but it’s going to take more than a clean house to help the Darrow family learn to live and love again.
Can Mr. Gedrick help Stanley, his brother, Fergus, his sister, Amelia, and his mom find their way back to each other? And what secrets of his own is Mr. Gedrick hiding behind his crooked grin?
Stanley Darrow isn’t sure what to expect when the mysterious Mr. Gedrick appears on his doorstep. He is certain, however, that his family could use Mr. Gedrick’s help: Their lives—and their house—have been a mess since Stanley’s dad died.
The strange new nanny quickly helps them transform their cluttered home into a sparkling and spotless version of its former self, but it’s going to take more than a clean house to help the Darrow family learn to live and love again.
Can Mr. Gedrick help Stanley, his brother, Fergus, his sister, Amelia, and his mom find their way back to each other? And what secrets of his own is Mr. Gedrick hiding behind his crooked grin?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2017
54 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Carman
91 books1,604 followersI have been a lifelong writer and storyteller. Salem, Oregon is where I spent my formative years and I graduated from Willamette University. After college, I spent a decade living in Portland, Oregon where I worked in advertising, game design, and technology.
I've written young adult and children's books for Scholastic, Little Brown Books For Young Readers and Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers.
I've been fortunate enough to have had some bestselling series work: The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Here's a fun note...the books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages. Currently I'm developing a few new-media projects. Check out DARK EDEN to experience this type of cross-platform project.
When I'm not writing or creating a story, I spend my free time supporting literacy campaigns and community organizations, fly fishing, playing basketball and tennis, doing crosswords, watching movies, dabbling in video games, reading (lots), and (more than anything else) spending time with my wife and two daughters.
I've written young adult and children's books for Scholastic, Little Brown Books For Young Readers and Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers.
I've been fortunate enough to have had some bestselling series work: The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Here's a fun note...the books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages. Currently I'm developing a few new-media projects. Check out DARK EDEN to experience this type of cross-platform project.
When I'm not writing or creating a story, I spend my free time supporting literacy campaigns and community organizations, fly fishing, playing basketball and tennis, doing crosswords, watching movies, dabbling in video games, reading (lots), and (more than anything else) spending time with my wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 7, 2017
"Mr. Gedrick is magic, I think he's a warlock. I know, Fergus whispered back. Pretty cool, right? You know it, bro."
A touching story of loss and finding the right groove to move on. Helping one another out instead of tearing each other down. I just didn't find that deeper connection with the story.
Imagine Mary Poppins with mystical powers and a magic wand. And that's where Mr. Gedrick comes in.
The Darrow family is in a deep slump. They can't seem to get in track after the death of their dad. Mom is frazzled with work and the kids nitpick at each other causing chaos throughout each other's lives.
Needing help, Stanley seeks out help at the insistence of mom. Out comes Mr. Gedrick and his magical mesmerizing wand. With his felt green jacket, red tie and a spring in his step, he's here to help the Darrow family get that light back into their lives.
I'm not a very big fan of Mary Poppins, but I thought I would give this a try. It was okay to read once but I really can't see myself recommending this to anyone. There was a deeper meaning from the story. It just didn't hit me like it should have. Maybe it's because of my black soul.
Just a spoonful of sugar mixes well with a margarita!!
A touching story of loss and finding the right groove to move on. Helping one another out instead of tearing each other down. I just didn't find that deeper connection with the story.
Imagine Mary Poppins with mystical powers and a magic wand. And that's where Mr. Gedrick comes in.
The Darrow family is in a deep slump. They can't seem to get in track after the death of their dad. Mom is frazzled with work and the kids nitpick at each other causing chaos throughout each other's lives.
Needing help, Stanley seeks out help at the insistence of mom. Out comes Mr. Gedrick and his magical mesmerizing wand. With his felt green jacket, red tie and a spring in his step, he's here to help the Darrow family get that light back into their lives.
I'm not a very big fan of Mary Poppins, but I thought I would give this a try. It was okay to read once but I really can't see myself recommending this to anyone. There was a deeper meaning from the story. It just didn't hit me like it should have. Maybe it's because of my black soul.
Just a spoonful of sugar mixes well with a margarita!!
May 18, 2020
This was a fun, sweet book about a family where the dad has passed away and the mom and three children are struggling to keep their lives together without him. Magical Mr. Gedrick shows up and slowly helps them come back together. My girls LOVED this one.
June 24, 2017
"It's All Connected... Time, Magic, Grief, Renewal"
This is going to sound very sour at first, but please don't take it that way because I very, very much liked and enjoyed this book.
This is a classic dead-parent book. I understand the urge among children's lit writers to address that topic, and given how casually we set up orphan heroes there are certainly a lot of dead fictional parents out there. But, I usually draw the line at books that have a sort of self-help undercurrent, and that subtly encourage well meaning people to consider giving a dead-parent book to a kid who has just actually lost a real parent. Think really hard before you do anything like that. O.K., off my soapbox.
All of the above said, kids at some point have to consider that one parent can disappear from the family, and that this sad, stressful, and unsettling event has to be dealt with. Wrapping up that thought in a funny, warm, cozy and hopeful message isn't a bad way to introduce the idea. That's what we get here. The Darrow family is a mess six months after Mr. Darrow's death. Mom is frantically trying to hold it all together, sis is withdrawn, big bro is playing dense, and our little bro narrator is at loose ends. Enter Mr. Gedrick and his mild-magical tough love. And so the healing and family bonding begins.
This is very tricky territory, and Carman covers it with restraint and style. Gedrick is not in the Disney Poppins mold. He's more old school, gently and indirectly coaxing everyone onto the right path by playing the magical fool. This is a strong but non-threatening sort of character, (unlike the original Poppins, as written, who is scary and a bit Earth-magical creepy), and seems a nice choice for a late-elementary level book. The Darrow family members have problems, but mostly of the denial and failure to cope variety. This is not slice-of-life kitchen drama, and the conflict and angst is mild and appropriate for the reader age. The tone is one of sadness and loss, not high drama.
The star, though, and the engine that powers the whole tale, is our hero Stanley. He's the lost and overlooked nine-year old heart of the family, and he is an upbeat, whizz-bang, bundle of gung-ho energy and optimism. He's not oblivious; quite the opposite. He misses his Dad and he can see what's happening to his family, but he is uniquely powerless to do anything about it except comment on the situation for our benefit. He is the first to realize what Mr. Gedrick is and is the first to get on board with Gedrick's plan of recovery. And Stanley takes us with him, with contagious enthusiasm, every step of the way.
I guess the upshot here is that this is warm and fuzzy and almost impossibly upbeat. It's funny, it's loaded with engaging characters, and it is big-hearted, generous and unashamedly feel-good. If you're going to introduce hard issues to a young reader this might well be the way to go. And in any event, there's always Stanley, who is a character any kid reader could take to heart. All of that makes for a very attractive package, and a happy find.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is going to sound very sour at first, but please don't take it that way because I very, very much liked and enjoyed this book.
This is a classic dead-parent book. I understand the urge among children's lit writers to address that topic, and given how casually we set up orphan heroes there are certainly a lot of dead fictional parents out there. But, I usually draw the line at books that have a sort of self-help undercurrent, and that subtly encourage well meaning people to consider giving a dead-parent book to a kid who has just actually lost a real parent. Think really hard before you do anything like that. O.K., off my soapbox.
All of the above said, kids at some point have to consider that one parent can disappear from the family, and that this sad, stressful, and unsettling event has to be dealt with. Wrapping up that thought in a funny, warm, cozy and hopeful message isn't a bad way to introduce the idea. That's what we get here. The Darrow family is a mess six months after Mr. Darrow's death. Mom is frantically trying to hold it all together, sis is withdrawn, big bro is playing dense, and our little bro narrator is at loose ends. Enter Mr. Gedrick and his mild-magical tough love. And so the healing and family bonding begins.
This is very tricky territory, and Carman covers it with restraint and style. Gedrick is not in the Disney Poppins mold. He's more old school, gently and indirectly coaxing everyone onto the right path by playing the magical fool. This is a strong but non-threatening sort of character, (unlike the original Poppins, as written, who is scary and a bit Earth-magical creepy), and seems a nice choice for a late-elementary level book. The Darrow family members have problems, but mostly of the denial and failure to cope variety. This is not slice-of-life kitchen drama, and the conflict and angst is mild and appropriate for the reader age. The tone is one of sadness and loss, not high drama.
The star, though, and the engine that powers the whole tale, is our hero Stanley. He's the lost and overlooked nine-year old heart of the family, and he is an upbeat, whizz-bang, bundle of gung-ho energy and optimism. He's not oblivious; quite the opposite. He misses his Dad and he can see what's happening to his family, but he is uniquely powerless to do anything about it except comment on the situation for our benefit. He is the first to realize what Mr. Gedrick is and is the first to get on board with Gedrick's plan of recovery. And Stanley takes us with him, with contagious enthusiasm, every step of the way.
I guess the upshot here is that this is warm and fuzzy and almost impossibly upbeat. It's funny, it's loaded with engaging characters, and it is big-hearted, generous and unashamedly feel-good. If you're going to introduce hard issues to a young reader this might well be the way to go. And in any event, there's always Stanley, who is a character any kid reader could take to heart. All of that makes for a very attractive package, and a happy find.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
April 18, 2020
This was a perfectly charming book! I read it aloud to my girls, adn they loved it. It has so much heart and such beautiful messages about family, progress, and love. It reminds me a little bit of Mary Poppins, with a nanny who moves in and helps a grief stricken family out. There's also some magic involved, though it's not a huge part of the story. I also love that it takes place in Chicago- it's super fun. Anyway, this is a great read aloud books for young kids like 3rd grade age.
May 6, 2022
SUCH a fun read. Mr. Gedrick is magical. My third graders LOVED this.
January 8, 2019
A male Mary Poppins. Teared up at the end but overall I thought it was okay.
June 29, 2019
3.5 stars for this TX Bluebonnet nominee.
Pros: 1) the main character Stanley's voice!! Carman captured an innocent, live-in-the-moment, 9yr old boy perfectly! This cute boy reminds me of a few others I know ❤ 2) the light dash of magic that is thrown into an otherwise realistic fiction story is fun...definitely Mary Poppins-ish, as so many have pointed out. 3) Smooth, easily readable, some funny moments, good read aloud but also very doable for middle grade (3rd, 4th grade) readers.
Cons: 1) another kid-copes-with-a-dead-parent book. I am SO TIRED of this current theme in children's lit. Where are the kid novels these days that don't have some kind of major life trauma at their core? 2) Stanley is awesone but the other characters could've used some more attention, particularly Elsa the mom. 3) Something is unsatisfying about the end, the way things are left with Mr. Gedrick, though I can't say exactly what. I just didn't get that "AHHHHH closure" feeling that a complete ending provides.
Pros: 1) the main character Stanley's voice!! Carman captured an innocent, live-in-the-moment, 9yr old boy perfectly! This cute boy reminds me of a few others I know ❤ 2) the light dash of magic that is thrown into an otherwise realistic fiction story is fun...definitely Mary Poppins-ish, as so many have pointed out. 3) Smooth, easily readable, some funny moments, good read aloud but also very doable for middle grade (3rd, 4th grade) readers.
Cons: 1) another kid-copes-with-a-dead-parent book. I am SO TIRED of this current theme in children's lit. Where are the kid novels these days that don't have some kind of major life trauma at their core? 2) Stanley is awesone but the other characters could've used some more attention, particularly Elsa the mom. 3) Something is unsatisfying about the end, the way things are left with Mr. Gedrick, though I can't say exactly what. I just didn't get that "AHHHHH closure" feeling that a complete ending provides.
January 15, 2019
This was cute, but didn't quite distinguish itself from other MG novels I've read. For all intents, this book kind of reads like "Mary Poppins, but it's a dude; also the dad is dead" and that's the story—which, while cute, didn't do anything for me.
For me, Carman did succeed at capturing the voice and energy of a nine-year-old. I thought Stanley was sweet, and very true-to-form as a person who just wanted attention and affection. I wasn't as engaged with Stanley's narration as I might have been, but it felt honest and cute.
It was also a nice family story. The narrative is about a family learning to reconnect with each other after the loss of a parent, and the way that the family learns to support each other was wholesome.
Still, it didn't quite rise "above and beyond" in my eyes. The writing wasn't overly special, and perhaps my own lack of interest in baseball made that element less interesting to me.
Also, I wasn't particularly satisfied by Mr. Gedrick. Like, I get that the "Mary Poppins" character is supposed to be mysterious and all, but early in the book, Amelia asks him what is in it for him when he shows up to be their nanny, and I was never quite satisfied with the answer. Since Mr. Gedrick is implied to be magic, I did start thinking about halfway through the book that Mr. Gedrick was actually Stanley from the future, who had come back to put his family together after the tragedy—which, to me, fit really well. But then it didn't happen! Oh well.
For me, Carman did succeed at capturing the voice and energy of a nine-year-old. I thought Stanley was sweet, and very true-to-form as a person who just wanted attention and affection. I wasn't as engaged with Stanley's narration as I might have been, but it felt honest and cute.
It was also a nice family story. The narrative is about a family learning to reconnect with each other after the loss of a parent, and the way that the family learns to support each other was wholesome.
Still, it didn't quite rise "above and beyond" in my eyes. The writing wasn't overly special, and perhaps my own lack of interest in baseball made that element less interesting to me.
Also, I wasn't particularly satisfied by Mr. Gedrick. Like, I get that the "Mary Poppins" character is supposed to be mysterious and all, but early in the book, Amelia asks him what is in it for him when he shows up to be their nanny, and I was never quite satisfied with the answer. Since Mr. Gedrick is implied to be magic, I did start thinking about halfway through the book that Mr. Gedrick was actually Stanley from the future, who had come back to put his family together after the tragedy—which, to me, fit really well. But then it didn't happen! Oh well.
Read
July 16, 2019Hmm. Not at all what I was expecting. Most of what I have read by him was more direct fantasy. And this had fantastical elements (think Mary Poppins). The main kiddo was a hoot ... through his pain and loss.
There were some lines that I found quite lovely. I wish I could write lovely lines like this!
I mean of course anytime someone references a disturbance in the Force I AM THERE FOR IT.
But then Mr. Gedrick says "Sometimes, when something very difficult happens, it's impossible to find the way back to where you once where .... We're not supposed to go back to where we were. There's someplace new, out there, waiting for us. We only have to go and find it. And when we do, then the inspiration will find us once again."
Or when they are looking at the mother who seems to be stumped for inspiration.
"She's not making much progress," Amelia said ... "Not true." Mr. Gedrick said. Look how full the garbage can is? All the ideas on the way to the great idea are in there. She's closer than she thinks she is."
But in the end something just didn't ... come together. There was something that felt ... I don't know. Unfinished?
There were some lines that I found quite lovely. I wish I could write lovely lines like this!
I mean of course anytime someone references a disturbance in the Force I AM THERE FOR IT.
But then Mr. Gedrick says "Sometimes, when something very difficult happens, it's impossible to find the way back to where you once where .... We're not supposed to go back to where we were. There's someplace new, out there, waiting for us. We only have to go and find it. And when we do, then the inspiration will find us once again."
Or when they are looking at the mother who seems to be stumped for inspiration.
"She's not making much progress," Amelia said ... "Not true." Mr. Gedrick said. Look how full the garbage can is? All the ideas on the way to the great idea are in there. She's closer than she thinks she is."
But in the end something just didn't ... come together. There was something that felt ... I don't know. Unfinished?
January 13, 2018
Think an updated version of Mary Poppins and you're close to the awesomeness that is this book.
Mr. Darrow died unexpectedly and his family is still trying to figure out how to move forward. It isn't working well so far since they quickly realized that dad was the glue that held everyone and everything together.
The siblings, in age order, Fergus, Ameilia, and Stanley along with their mom are lost in their own grief, nothing is getting done, they barely speak, and poor Stanley thinks he's the only one that feels alone and invisible.
That is, until the arrival of Mr. Gedrick, who, with a "pinch and a twist" he gets the house back in running order and eventually, the family.
This was a great book with many hidden lessons for young and old. Mr. Gedrick didn't force them or directly point out what was missing, his funny ideas and adventures somehow got their point across which means the Darrow family learned the lessons on their own and will be much more likely to remember them.
I appreciated the realism in the relationships of the siblings, both before and after Mr. Gedrick did his magic. And his mother's example of an Architect suddenly working from home, showed all how hard it is to do both work and the home/kids at the same time all the while under pressure from a slightly nefarious boss to come up with an amazing plan for the new Chicago Community Center. People don't always give as much credit to those are in charge of the kids 24/7 and the example of Mr. Darrow's death has shown them all not only how special he was but how he was the grease in the wheels of the entire family. (Not that I'm in either role, but have learned that being the one at home has just as many challenges as the breadwinners, and that is multiplied by the number of kids and the size of the home. Different challenges, but just as hard.)
I see no issues with this book unless you have an issue with your kids reading Mary Poppins and at least Mr. Gedrick isn't going to be shoving a spoonful of sugar down your kid's throats! While both characters hint at magic, it's never outwardly seen, I see it was a great grasp of reverse psychology and family dynamics.
I was about to say that this was the first book I've read by Carman, however, looking over his list, I can see that he did write #5 in The 39 Clues serires, which I have read. I'll keep an eye out for the rest of his work.
Mr. Darrow died unexpectedly and his family is still trying to figure out how to move forward. It isn't working well so far since they quickly realized that dad was the glue that held everyone and everything together.
The siblings, in age order, Fergus, Ameilia, and Stanley along with their mom are lost in their own grief, nothing is getting done, they barely speak, and poor Stanley thinks he's the only one that feels alone and invisible.
That is, until the arrival of Mr. Gedrick, who, with a "pinch and a twist" he gets the house back in running order and eventually, the family.
This was a great book with many hidden lessons for young and old. Mr. Gedrick didn't force them or directly point out what was missing, his funny ideas and adventures somehow got their point across which means the Darrow family learned the lessons on their own and will be much more likely to remember them.
I appreciated the realism in the relationships of the siblings, both before and after Mr. Gedrick did his magic. And his mother's example of an Architect suddenly working from home, showed all how hard it is to do both work and the home/kids at the same time all the while under pressure from a slightly nefarious boss to come up with an amazing plan for the new Chicago Community Center. People don't always give as much credit to those are in charge of the kids 24/7 and the example of Mr. Darrow's death has shown them all not only how special he was but how he was the grease in the wheels of the entire family. (Not that I'm in either role, but have learned that being the one at home has just as many challenges as the breadwinners, and that is multiplied by the number of kids and the size of the home. Different challenges, but just as hard.)
I see no issues with this book unless you have an issue with your kids reading Mary Poppins and at least Mr. Gedrick isn't going to be shoving a spoonful of sugar down your kid's throats! While both characters hint at magic, it's never outwardly seen, I see it was a great grasp of reverse psychology and family dynamics.
I was about to say that this was the first book I've read by Carman, however, looking over his list, I can see that he did write #5 in The 39 Clues serires, which I have read. I'll keep an eye out for the rest of his work.
May 4, 2020
For a full review, visit us at Woodpecker Books.
Grief is like an undertow. It can sweep you off your feet without even a warning and hold you down. The Darrows, a family of four, are reeling from the untimely loss of their husband and father. Each member of the family is at a different stage of grief. And naturally, things aren’t going smoothly. The house has descended into madness. Dirty dishes are piling up and stinky baseball socks are hanging from the ceiling.
But when Stanley Darrow, the youngest of the family, puts in an online request for domestic help, he gets more than he bargained for. Mr. Gedrick, the mysterious manny, shows up and whips them into shape with a flick and a twist! What follows is a fanciful tale of one family’s journey through grief to renewal. It’s innocent. It’s funny. And it’s true. This is a perfect novel for the budding reader in your family.
Grief is like an undertow. It can sweep you off your feet without even a warning and hold you down. The Darrows, a family of four, are reeling from the untimely loss of their husband and father. Each member of the family is at a different stage of grief. And naturally, things aren’t going smoothly. The house has descended into madness. Dirty dishes are piling up and stinky baseball socks are hanging from the ceiling.
But when Stanley Darrow, the youngest of the family, puts in an online request for domestic help, he gets more than he bargained for. Mr. Gedrick, the mysterious manny, shows up and whips them into shape with a flick and a twist! What follows is a fanciful tale of one family’s journey through grief to renewal. It’s innocent. It’s funny. And it’s true. This is a perfect novel for the budding reader in your family.
Grief is like an undertow. It can sweep you off your feet without even a warning and hold you down. The Darrows, a family of four, are reeling from the untimely loss of their husband and father. Each member of the family is at a different stage of grief. And naturally, things aren’t going smoothly. The house has descended into madness. Dirty dishes are piling up and stinky baseball socks are hanging from the ceiling.
But when Stanley Darrow, the youngest of the family, puts in an online request for domestic help, he gets more than he bargained for. Mr. Gedrick, the mysterious manny, shows up and whips them into shape with a flick and a twist! What follows is a fanciful tale of one family’s journey through grief to renewal. It’s innocent. It’s funny. And it’s true. This is a perfect novel for the budding reader in your family.
Grief is like an undertow. It can sweep you off your feet without even a warning and hold you down. The Darrows, a family of four, are reeling from the untimely loss of their husband and father. Each member of the family is at a different stage of grief. And naturally, things aren’t going smoothly. The house has descended into madness. Dirty dishes are piling up and stinky baseball socks are hanging from the ceiling.
But when Stanley Darrow, the youngest of the family, puts in an online request for domestic help, he gets more than he bargained for. Mr. Gedrick, the mysterious manny, shows up and whips them into shape with a flick and a twist! What follows is a fanciful tale of one family’s journey through grief to renewal. It’s innocent. It’s funny. And it’s true. This is a perfect novel for the budding reader in your family.
August 27, 2019
3.5 Stars
Stanley's dad passed away last year, and nothing has been the same since. His brother, Fergus, only plays baseball and calls him names. His sister, Amelia, stays in her room all the time. And his mom is trying so hard to keep up with her job and the house and taking care of everybody, but pretty much everything is falling apart. But then Mr. Gedrick shows up. Part nanny, part magician, Mr. Gedrick picks them all up and puts the remaining pieces of the Darrow family back together again. But what will happen when it's time for Mr. Gedrick to leave?
This was a sweet combination of Mary Poppins and Mrs. Doubtfire. Mr. Gedrick seems to have magical powers (he makes leaves dance, has a little car with a bottomless trunk that reminded me of Mary Poppins' carpet bag, and is able to wave his equivalent of a wand and fix broken things in seconds flat). But he doesn't make things easy on the Darrows, encouraging them to do the work to fix the yard, the house, and their family together. He helps them really see each other again through their grief, which I thought was a lovely message.
For me, a little bit TOO much was lifted from Mary Poppins, but I know a lot of kids these days don't even know who that is (how SAD!) so many readers won't have the constant sense of deja vu that I experienced with this book.
Very cute, and I could absolutely see this becoming a series.
Stanley's dad passed away last year, and nothing has been the same since. His brother, Fergus, only plays baseball and calls him names. His sister, Amelia, stays in her room all the time. And his mom is trying so hard to keep up with her job and the house and taking care of everybody, but pretty much everything is falling apart. But then Mr. Gedrick shows up. Part nanny, part magician, Mr. Gedrick picks them all up and puts the remaining pieces of the Darrow family back together again. But what will happen when it's time for Mr. Gedrick to leave?
This was a sweet combination of Mary Poppins and Mrs. Doubtfire. Mr. Gedrick seems to have magical powers (he makes leaves dance, has a little car with a bottomless trunk that reminded me of Mary Poppins' carpet bag, and is able to wave his equivalent of a wand and fix broken things in seconds flat). But he doesn't make things easy on the Darrows, encouraging them to do the work to fix the yard, the house, and their family together. He helps them really see each other again through their grief, which I thought was a lovely message.
For me, a little bit TOO much was lifted from Mary Poppins, but I know a lot of kids these days don't even know who that is (how SAD!) so many readers won't have the constant sense of deja vu that I experienced with this book.
Very cute, and I could absolutely see this becoming a series.
June 23, 2018
I'm almost afraid to read another "middle-school age" book, because so many of them share the same faults. They include a mildly precocious and often somewhat snarky first-person narrator, and a story that follows so predictable a path that you could follow it blindfolded. Maybe it's just me. This book followed a predictable path, despite the less-predictable intervention of the titular Mr. Gedrick, who, come to think of it, is pretty much a male Mary Poppins that isn't quite as interesting to read. It isn't because I'm an adult reading a book intended for juveniles, either. Because the best of children's/juvenile literature, as characterized by books such as the Newbery honor and award-winning books, are truly wonderful. They are just as well written as any adult novel, and often better! They deal with real issues, and take the problems of their young protagonists seriously - and engage the reader, regardless of their age, because they are telling such a great story - and a relevant story - because the human condition is a universal thing, and the universal questions are relevant to every age. This book won't be winning any awards.
January 7, 2022
Read for Battle of the Books at my elementary school.
This is a creative story of a family dealing with the grief of losing their husband/father, and how this family comes together thanks to a strange man in a green felt coat. I liked the touch of magic Mr. Gedrick used to help the family improve their home, but more importantly, to improve their relationships with each other.
The story is told through the youthful eyes of Stanley, which gives it a certain innocence. I felt like the story lacked in some details that would have helped me visualize Mr. Gedrick and his car (Fred) better. I also question how the subject of grieving a family member is handled here. It felt a little glossed over.
This is a creative story of a family dealing with the grief of losing their husband/father, and how this family comes together thanks to a strange man in a green felt coat. I liked the touch of magic Mr. Gedrick used to help the family improve their home, but more importantly, to improve their relationships with each other.
The story is told through the youthful eyes of Stanley, which gives it a certain innocence. I felt like the story lacked in some details that would have helped me visualize Mr. Gedrick and his car (Fred) better. I also question how the subject of grieving a family member is handled here. It felt a little glossed over.
January 24, 2024
A sweet read with a beautiful lesson.
This book follows a new widow trying to find balance in her new reality. She's lost her husband, the stay at home dad, her kids are hurting (as she is) and her house is in shambles.
Her youngest enters their information online and a strange man shows up at their door ready to help. Using magic and phrases they heard from their father, Mr.Gedrick teaches the kids (two boys and one girl) and their mom that things need to fall apart to grow back together and stronger.
I loved that Mr. Gedrick encouraged each child to grieve and feel their emotions all while teaching the youngest that while he wanted to stay together, they each had to express and feel on their own.
Definitely cried a little reading it. I absolutely recommend.
This book follows a new widow trying to find balance in her new reality. She's lost her husband, the stay at home dad, her kids are hurting (as she is) and her house is in shambles.
Her youngest enters their information online and a strange man shows up at their door ready to help. Using magic and phrases they heard from their father, Mr.Gedrick teaches the kids (two boys and one girl) and their mom that things need to fall apart to grow back together and stronger.
I loved that Mr. Gedrick encouraged each child to grieve and feel their emotions all while teaching the youngest that while he wanted to stay together, they each had to express and feel on their own.
Definitely cried a little reading it. I absolutely recommend.
April 8, 2018
This was a charming book about how a family heals the wound of losing a father/husband, while still honoring his memory and contributions to their growth. It highlighted the individuality of each family member's grief without descending into maudlin stereotypes. There were bursts of humor, too.
Under Mr. Gedrick's gentle guidance, each family member realizes and is able to express his/her own grief while respecting the grief of the others. Each one grows from the experience and comes to grips with a new family life that will never be the same but is still worth living. The family unit is strengthened by the healing process and emerges richer for each individual member's journey.
Under Mr. Gedrick's gentle guidance, each family member realizes and is able to express his/her own grief while respecting the grief of the others. Each one grows from the experience and comes to grips with a new family life that will never be the same but is still worth living. The family unit is strengthened by the healing process and emerges richer for each individual member's journey.
June 24, 2019
I don’t know how to review this book without saying: Its kind-of a modern day Mary Poppins. A mysterious nanny arrives for a family in need after the father dies. He teaches them to work together to the benefit of the whole family. Honestly, it’s not great. My biggest problem is that, if tragedy truly strikes a family, there are no quick fixes. Also, relationships are hard- especially sibling relationships- and this book makes it look like it’s easy to fix them when they are broken. It’s not even a fun fantasy with magic abound...or creatively funny and whimsical. So, that’s that, I guess.
September 18, 2019
The problem with adults reviewing juvenile fiction is that all too often they are looking at it through a highly critical adult lens. I’m a fan of a lot of Carman’s books, and this one was a bit different for him. He handled a very real and sensitive topic (death of a parent) in a way that young readers could relate to. The plot flowed well, and the style and language appeals to young readers. Many reviews liken this to a “Mary Poppins” type story, and in some ways there are parallels. The everyday events and reactions of the children are very contemporary and timely.
November 14, 2019
What I thought was going to be a sad book, the father of the children had died (before the book started), turned into a heartwarming, magical, pure enjoyment book.
While Mr. Gedrick may not be as magical as a certain nanny from across the pond, nevertheless, he was able to help rekindle the Darrow family magic and show them that things can get better even after a loss like they suffered.
My only question...will there be any more Mr. G since he has been nanny to so many other children? We can only hope!
While Mr. Gedrick may not be as magical as a certain nanny from across the pond, nevertheless, he was able to help rekindle the Darrow family magic and show them that things can get better even after a loss like they suffered.
My only question...will there be any more Mr. G since he has been nanny to so many other children? We can only hope!
May 5, 2019
First things first, thank you Patrick Carman, for this story about the magic of family.
Meet the Darrow family. After the loss of Husband/Father, Jonathan Darrow, this family feels lost. They need help.
Mr. Gedrick is a mysterious character that has a special bond with each person in the family, but it takes time to hash out what that is exactly. There is so much heart in this book that I definitely recommend it.
Meet the Darrow family. After the loss of Husband/Father, Jonathan Darrow, this family feels lost. They need help.
Mr. Gedrick is a mysterious character that has a special bond with each person in the family, but it takes time to hash out what that is exactly. There is so much heart in this book that I definitely recommend it.
June 18, 2019
This book has a sweet spirit to it. Stanley's family is in crisis after his dad died. His mom is having trouble concentrating on her architectural plans, his brother has retreated into baseball, and his sister as shut herself off in her room. Stanley is feeling ignored and left out when he meets Mr. Gedrick. This strange man in a green felt jacket works a special kind of magic to help this family find their way back to each other. Kids will enjoy the humor and sibling rivalry.
May 19, 2025
First things first, thank you Patrick Carman, for this story about the magic of family.
Meet the Darrow family. After the loss of Husband/Father, Jonathan Darrow, this family feels lost. They need help.
Mr. Gedrick is a mysterious character that has a special bond with each person in the family, but it takes time to hash out what that is exactly. There is so much heart in this book that I definitely recommend it.
Meet the Darrow family. After the loss of Husband/Father, Jonathan Darrow, this family feels lost. They need help.
Mr. Gedrick is a mysterious character that has a special bond with each person in the family, but it takes time to hash out what that is exactly. There is so much heart in this book that I definitely recommend it.
June 17, 2019
2.5 - 3* This story has a Mary Poppins type theme - a nanny (with a bit of magic) comes to help a family who is struggling to come together after the father dies. While the story was cute, the relationships among the three siblings was full of disrespect and name calling (mostly to Stanley, the youngest sibling and the lead character).
February 5, 2020
Although I’ve never watched Mary Poppins, I have a feel that Mr. G was maybe fashioned after her. He swoops in to help the Darrows as they are grieving Mr. Darrow- the dad. It’s was nice to see Mr. G help the family begin to heal throughout the span of their summer together, and I liked how the story was wrapped up at the end.
May 13, 2020
I pledged to read all 19 of the Bluebonnet Award Nominees for this school year (it’s a Texas thing). I’m halfway through. This was the 8th chapter book. Surprisingly, all 8 featured main characters with deceased parents. Why, I wonder?
This one is the most charming, though: magical nanny teaches family to come together following the death of the dad. Very Mary Poppins.
This one is the most charming, though: magical nanny teaches family to come together following the death of the dad. Very Mary Poppins.
April 21, 2022
I often struggle to get through middle grade books because the writing can be so basic that it gets boring, but I really enjoyed this one and found myself wanting to get back to it to see what happened. Love the story of the family at the center of the book and the way Mr. Gedrick helped them come together.
May 27, 2019
Good read aloud to talk about characters and why they act or behave the way they do. Not sure about sign posts, maybe contrast/contradiction, a little from words of the wiser. A little of memory moment. I would do this with a bluebonnet book club. Possible for good discussions.
January 22, 2021
This book in my opinion was nice. There wasn't any action, but there was a storyline that kept you interested. The font is big and the book can be read in a day, but it was a nice storyline and I loved the way he wrote this.
December 31, 2025
5th grade book club book - short read, good for students excited to read in a book club but aren’t quite ready for a longer text. Great for discussions about character development throughout a text. Total Nanny McPhee & Marry Poppins vibes
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