Cassi and the House of Memories

Gr 4-7–Cassi is a young girl who loves her grandfather Charlie very much. She enjoys talking with and playing hide-and-seek with him. Sometimes, though, Grandpa forgets things, and when that happens, it can be scary for both of them. Stuart takes readers on a journey into Grandpa’s memories along with Cassi, expounding why memories can be so difficult to traverse. This is an elegantly written and beautifully illustrated look into the early stages of dementia through the eyes of family. The characters are charming and easy to recognize, even when the story shifts to the past. Charlie’s story, though not told chronologically, is thoughtfully tied together with images from his past. The artwork is a stunning watercolor display, showcasing all the emotion within the story. The memories are abstract at times, but easy to follow with Cassi as guide. The linework is both simple and complex, keeping readers in the point-of-view of a very young girl whose imagination is alive and thriving. As Cassi navigates through her grandfather’s triumphs and losses, readers are treated to the spectrum of color and a wonderful play on shadow and light. Meanwhile, the dialogue is fun and fast-paced enough to maintain interest throughout.