THE INFINITE QUESTIONS OF DOTTIE BING by Molly B. Burnham

 

According to Grandma Ima, "the solution to every problem starts with a question." Dottie lives by this rule, and it has been serving her well. Now that Grandma Ima has passed away and Grandpa Walter has come to live with Dottie's family, she is hoping Ima's philosophy will help her overcome the sadness she feels every day.

When Grandpa Walter showed up unannounced, he brought with him a can of Chock full O'Nuts, but instead of being filled with the famous coffee, it is filled with Grandma Ima's ashes. Grandpa carries it with him 24/7. He pours two cups of coffee every morning so Ima can have one. He chats with Ima all the time, and he even plays cards with her to pass the time. Dottie is completely frustrated. Not only does she think Grandpa is weird and unhappy, but he has moved into her room, so she has to share with her little sister Jazzy.

The only thing Dottie thinks can help with how she is feeling is to use her energy to build a tree house. She has always wanted one, and she remembers Grandma Ima also mentioned wanting to have one when she was a girl. With the help of her best friend Sam and her new friend Miles, Dottie embarks on a mission to build her dream. No matter how hard she works, it seems like there's one problem after another.

Author Molly B. Burnham's sweet story helps explain feelings and how they often take over our lives. Using imaginative characters and wonderful humor, Burnham shares the ups and downs of losing someone special and all the feels that result. THE INFINITE QUESTIONS OF DOTTIE BING is a surefire winner in my book!