With his cart full of treasures and big green hat, Charlie is a neighborhood fixture. When he finds a pie, he sets off to find the owner — and helps some friends along the way.

Poignant and funny, this story is an ode to resourcefulness and the compassion that turns neighbors into friends. Charlie and his friends might not have much — but they have each other.

“James uses dry wit, tight pacing, and warmth to turn the story of a neighborhood junk collector into an extraordinary slice of what community can, and does, look like.” —Horn Book

“Charlie is a kind and relatable character, and the illustrations are unique. This book could easily be used in classrooms or the home to spark many interesting discussions.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“[A] wildly colourful, wonderfully engaging story about a group of neighbours coming together in a spirit of camaraderie, shared joy and gentle humour.” —Postmedia News

“A book that makes readers think twice about how they see the people in their neighbourhoods.” —Globe and Mail