Edward the "Crazy Man"

Carol Bodrug is a former elementary-school teacher with the Durham Board
of Education.

Charlie keeps crossing paths with a man who pushes a baby carriage full
of junk and wears costumes made from things that people have discarded,
such as an old curtain. “Crazy Man” takes the pile of things Charlie
leaves in his laneway and makes himself a fantastic costume. When
Charlie is pushed into traffic by the school bully, Crazy Man rescues
him, then disappears. Years later the adult Charlie, now a famous
costume designer, sees a man huddled in a doorway who reminds him of
Crazy Man. He gives him his card and is later taken to the hospital to
meet Edward (Crazy Man’s real name). The story ends on an upbeat note
when Charlie gives Edward a job designing costumes.

The straightforward narrative is accompanied by colorful, cartoonlike
line drawings by the author. Rather than in a classroom or story group,
the book would be better used with individuals in special situations to
raise awareness and understanding of certain types of mental illness.
Recommended with reservations.