Illustrator, Peter Rankin, is the 2004 recipient of the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in illustration.


John William Smith – barely more than a boy – clears land, builds a one-room house, plants three apple trees, then sits down to sip his tea and watch the sunset. He has everything a young man could want. But after many sunsets alone, John William decides he needs a wife. So he marries the wonderful Annie. As time passes, John William expands their home to accommodate children, an injured cousin, a widowed sister, and many more additions to the family. His toolbox is never far from his side, waiting for the next time Annie will say, “John William, dear, I think we need.…” Will the house ever be complete?

Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith, who lived in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the 1800s, this is a warm and witty look at what makes a home and who makes up a family.