The Attic of All Sorts

Adиle Ashby, a library consultant, is the former editor of Canadian Materials for Schools and Libraries.

This story is set in “The House of All Sorts,” built by Emily Carr
in 1913 on inherited property. (She had hoped to be able to support her
painting as a landlady during what turned out to be an unhappy period of
her life.)

Many years later, young Paul and his mother move into an apartment in
the house while their new home is being finished. Paul is lonely because
he has no friends and nothing to do, until one night when Mr. Tweedie,
the landlord, is invited to diner. He shows Paul the paintings that Carr
left on the ceilings of the building’s attic and tells him he may play
there whenever he wishes. Each day, Paul climbs into the attic and meets
an array of strange pets that may or may not be the ghosts of Carr’s
menagerie. His mother refuses to credit their existence, but Mr. Tweedie
encourages him to draw them, even presenting him with an artist’s
sketchbook. When Paul and his mother finally leave, he has a friend and
a new interest.

This gentle story about the power of the imagination is complemented by
illustrations that echo Carr’s own style of painting.