Moving to a ramshackle cottage in the country when his depressed mother decides to start over, Charlie struggles to make friends and develop his artistic skills while witnessing his mother's efforts to launch a business and pursue new romantic interests.

Moving to a ramshackle cottage in the country when his depressed mother decides to start over, Charlie struggles to make friends and develop his artistic skills while witnessing his mother's efforts to launch a business and pursue new romantic interests. The author of more than 30 books for children and young adults, Linda Newbery is a frequent speaker in schools and at festivals and conferences, and tutors courses for writers of all ages. She lives in rural Northhampton, England.