Mr. Gedrick and Me

New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman delivers a modern reimagining of the classic Mary Poppins tale in this story about family, grief, and healing—with a dash of magic!

Stanley Darrow isn’t sure what to expect when the mysterious Mr. Gedrick appears on his doorstep. He is certain, however, that his family could use Mr. Gedrick’s help: Their lives—and their house—have been a mess since Stanley’s dad died.

The strange new nanny quickly helps them transform their cluttered home into a sparkling and spotless version of its former self, but it’s going to take more than a clean house to help the Darrow family learn to live and love again.

Can Mr. Gedrick help Stanley, his brother, Fergus, his sister, Amelia, and his mom find their way back to each other? And what secrets of his own is Mr. Gedrick hiding behind his crooked grin?

• A Touch of Magic: Mr. Gedrick might seem like just a nanny, but his methods involve a car named Fred, a world inside a globe, and more than a few impossible tricks.
• Grief and Healing: The Darrow family isn’t just messy; they’re broken. This is a story about how a family learns to piece itself back together after an impossible loss.
• Sibling Relationships: Stanley, his athletic older brother Fergus, and his artistic sister Amelia are drifting apart. Can they find their way back to each other before it’s too late?
• A Modern Mary Poppins: Perfect for readers who love classic tales with a fresh, funny, and heartfelt twist.

“With an energetic, bright, and outgoing narrator in Stanley, there is never a dull moment. Lightly fantastical with plenty of emotional heft, this will please young readers who like their stories to have some depth.” - Booklist

“Mr. Gedrick is the fairy godfather every child needs: present, engaging, and thoughtful. The funny and comforting way this lovely family slowly turns away from sadness is a balm for all readers—there are not many like it on the shelves.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A modern Mary Poppins in a green felt suit and a tiny, temperamental car that seems to hold everything in its trunk, Mr. Gedrick [brings] magic to mundane chores and arranging adventures that bring the three Darrow children and their mother closer together and help them move forward. A satisfying, whimsical story about a grieving family finding their way back to one another.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

PRAISE FOR THE FIZZOPOLIS SERIES: “Fizzopolis bubbles over with belly burps-and belly laughs.” - Tom Watson, New York TImes betselling author of the Stick Dog series

“Carman’s wacky words and Sheesley’s loony artwork go together like soda pop and belches!” - Tom Angleberger, New York Times bestselling author of the Origami Yoda series

“Lots of kooky laughs for aspiring mad scientists who are going to want to make their own Fizzies.” - Jim Benton, New York Times bestselling author of the Franny K. Stein and Dear Dumb Diary series