Description
Cailin must spend Christmas at her eccentric grandfather’s shack at Whitefoam Cove, her holiday plans are ruined. She barely remembers him, let alone knows him. Memories of her father are everywhere—and worse, she left her cricket bat at home! She’s set for the worst summer ever, until she learns treasure can be found in the most unexpected places!
Review
When Cailin finds herself having to spend Christmas and her summer holidays at Whitefoam Cove with her Grandpa, who she hardly even knows, she is not happy at all! And when she gets there and finds out that there isn't even WiFi or a reliable TV, and she has forgotten to bring her cricket bat, things are going from bad to worse. How will she cope without talking to her best friend Josie?
Her Grandpa is an eccentric character, who has shut himself off from the world following the death of Cailin’s dad, his son, in a car accident when Cailin was only two.
He has hung onto things from the past, and lived an isolated existence on the beaches of Whitefoam Cove. So having Cailin and her Mum visit brings welcome company for him, but also memories of the past and feelings about his loss.
Despite her initial reservations, the relationship between Cailin and Grandpa builds fast, and they form a beautiful bond, as they both teach each other new things, in different ways - like Grandpa's love of hunting for sea glass.
So when Cailin realises that she may have contributed to the disaster that is now unfolding, she is filled with guilt and sadness. Can Grandpa forgive her, and will they have the chance to make up for lost time?
This is a beautiful, heart-warming story about appreciating the simple and special things in life and nature, overcoming grief and forging lasting memories and connections with those that we love.
It is a perfect read for those in middle to upper primary.
Teacher Notes supplied by the publisher are available for this title on our website.
Reviewed by Sam
