Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
A lonely old house is depressed when nobody wants to buy it, despite the efforts of its friends the old oak tree, birds, squirrels, and flowers. Finally, a young family begins to see possibilities in the house. Encouraged by its friends, the house tries to stand tall and look good. To the pleasant surprise of all, instead of a bulldozer, the family arrives in a moving van. Each member of the family works hard to make the house feel young again, “filled with laughter and love.” Cole subtly gives both house and tree real personalities in his naturalistic watercolors as he visualizes the hopes and interactions with the family. The porch of the house droops with sadness like a mouth; the windows express fear like eyes, as the arrival of a bulldozer is imagined. The view of the house and family on the last page is a tribute to the power of love. 2007, Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 18))
Will it be new residents or demolition for the lonely old house? A "For Sale" sign has stood out front so long that the windows droop unhappily. Passersby muse that it needs to be knocked down. But a family of five stops by and seems interested. Hope is rekindled. The squirrels and birds and the big leafy tree advise the old house to stand up straight and twinkle its windows. The family lingers, with the boy imagining a tire swing hanging from the tree and the girl clearing the tall grass that blocks the flowers. Still, Dad's final words are, "It needs a lot of work." Early the next morning, the old house is distressed to hear a bulldozer in the distance. But no! It's the family in their big rented truck. In no time, TLC creates a happy home. Cole's watercolors, which humanize the house and tree, add a playful element. Offbeat and appealing. 2007, Dutton, 32p, $16.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 4 to 7. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ann Cazin (Library Media Connection, January 2008)
Old things made new again is the warm theme of this friendly book. When the old house is left on its own, it starts to feel lonely and empty inside. Its shutters start to droop, and the house only feels worse when people pass by and comment on its rather shoddy condition. Even its friends could not cheer up this old house, which was full of despair. However, one day a family showed up with hope and vision; they see that not only can they make it into a beautiful house but they also can give it a soul. This book is a great story that encourages readers to look a little deeper at some of the older assets in their community and give them a second life before treasures end up in a landfill. It also teaches readers that with some work things can be made beautiful. Recommended. 2007, Dutton Children's Books (Penguin Young Reader's Group), 32pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 5 up.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2008)
A dilapidated old house feels sorry for itself. The house's squirrel, bird, and oak tree friends try to cheer it up to no avail. A family becomes interested in buying it but isn't sure about all the work needed to fix it up. House-hunting parents (maybe more so than kids) will enjoy the plot. Friendly anthropomorphic illustrations add atmosphere. Category: Picture Books. 2007, Dutton, 32pp, 16.99. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.