Jackson can’t believe his eyes. Is it? Is it really? His gaze never leaves the giant cat on the surfboard, holding an umbrella. No-one else sitting on the beach sees the cat, but Jackson knows who he is. Crenshaw is back.

Jackson thought he’d left Crenshaw far behind. Now he’s 10, he certainly thought he was too old for his imaginary friend. Crenshaw has other ideas. “Imaginary friends are like books,” he says. “We’re created, we’re enjoyed, we’re dog-eared and creased, and then we’re tucked away until we’re needed again,” and Crenshaw is certain Jackson needs him again.

Jackson has tried to pretend everything is fine. Though his parent’s worried frowns and multiple part time jobs are sure signs of the opposite. Not to mention the lack of food in the cupboards, and things disappearing around the house, sold off to pay the bills. It’s happened before, resulting in them all living in their mini-van.

Ever since Dad was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), and Mum lost her job, life has been a whole lot harder. They had to leave their lovely house behind. Now they’re in a small apartment, but now even that is getting harder to keep.

Jackson doesn’t want to move, change schools or lose his friends – again. His parents do everything they can to keep their life together, but eventually have to face the truth. Only Jackson knows that Crenshaw is along for the ride.

Jackson is an old soul, his love of facts and wonder at how things work a huge part of him since very young. So when homelessness, financial worries, joblessness, and hunger are a part of his life, he takes them seriously.

His loving parents try to shelter him from it, even though he and his little sister are caught up in the fallout. After the shock return of his imaginary friend, Jackson is eventually pleased to have Crenshaw around to talk to.

Even with sobering themes of Multiple Sclerosis, losing your home, having not enough to eat, or jobless parents, this story is far from depressing. Crenshaw is a giant, imaginary, sassy cat. He dislikes the family dog, is gentle and supportive with Jackson, and funny to boot.

This story reminds us how easy lives and circumstances can change for families through no fault of their own. Kindness, patience, love and understanding are wonderful themes counter-balancing the serious issues, without being didactic.

With short chapters and told in three parts, this junior novel is gorgeous. And you’ll learn some cool stuff too!

By the bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob and Wishtree.

Author – Katherine Applegate

Age – 7+

Read more reviews of Katherine Applegate Books (Click on a Cover)

(Family, Love, Imaginary Friend, Cat, Dog, Pet, Homelessness, Multiple Sclerosis, Illness, Joblessness, Pride, Music, Guitar, Garage Sale, Hunger, Poverty, Moving, Living in a van, Facts, Funny, Humour)