Edward the "Crazy Man"

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Description

Edward is a homeless person with a special talent - he can transform cast-off materials into amazing costumes! Schoolboy Charlie is fascinated by Edward who suffers from schizophrenia and gives "Crazy Man" discarded items from his garage. The next day, Edward, wearing a beautiful costume made from Charlie's presents, saves Charlie from being run over by a car. Many years later, Charlie finds a way to thank the man who saved his life and "Crazy Man" discovers that a friend can make all the difference.

Reviews

Marie Day writes with great passion and concern for those who have schizophrenia.--Zoe Johnstone Guha"Resource Links" (04/01/2002)
This book is about more than homelessness and mental illness; it is also about the difference a friend can make. Author/illustrator Marie Day's story is very readable. Children will want to know what happens to these characters. The illustrations are a little crazy too, rendered in a mixed media including pencil, markers and pencil crayons. This is an excellent book for starting a discussion with children about homelessness and mental illness. It is now becoming more acceptable and necessary to discuss these social problems with children. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for children's books that deal with these topics. The author's personal note at the back of the book allows the reader a glimpse into why the author wrote this story. Edward the Crazy Man is a recommended purchase for public libraries and classroom collections. Recommended.--Catherine Hoyt"Canadian Materials" (05/10/2002)

Author Bio

Marie Day is the author and illustrator of two books, "Dragon in the Rocks" and "Quennu and the Cave Bear." For many years she was an award-winning costume and stage designer for operas and plays all over North America, including the Stratford Festival.