• Age: 0 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 4 to 8

At last a human has moved into the great house. The gargoyle longs for companionship but does not quite know how to reach out. He watches, waits and makes mischief until he is captivated by a silver spoon. The path to friendship is unlikely and just right, like the friendship that develops between a refined elderly lady and a creature fashioned from stone.

Lena Coakley was born near the beach in Milford Connecticut, and she still loves the ocean. Her family tree is crowded with English professors, and the grandmother who raised her founded and directed a cooperative nursery school. How could she help but love children's books?

She studied writing at Sarah Lawrence College in New York and writing for children with Peter Carver in Toronto, Canada. Her first picture book, On the Night of the Comet, was published in 2004, followed closely by Mrs Goodhearth and the Gargoyle in 2005. She has twice won second prize in the Sunday Star Short Story Contest.

Lena is available for school and library visits across Canada and the US. Her website is www.lenacoakley.com.

Lena Coakley's profile page

Linda Bailey is an award-winning author of many books for children, including Goodnight Sweet Pig, Stanley's Party, the Stevie Diamond Mysteries, and the Good Times Travel Agency series. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Wendy Bailey's profile page

"...the theme of love and loneliness is beautifully served in this stunningly illustrated book."

"Highly recommended."

CM Magazine

"...a compelling, touching tale."

"I hope we haven't seen the end of this improbable pair."

"Perfect for storytimes, one-on-one sharing with a child who feels isolated, or any theme on caring."

Resource Links

"This is a lovely bedtime story, lyrical and cosy, and like nothing you've read before."

Edmonton Journal

"A charming, subtle tale of friendship and the winding path it can take."

The United Church Observer

"An intoxicating mix for wide-eyed child and curious parent."

CD Syndicated

"...told in a poetic manner using remarkable and descriptive metaphors to strengthen the brilliantly written story."

"This book will certainly warm any reader's heart!"

Canadian Children's Book News

Mrs. Goodhearth and the Gargoyle

Mrs. Goodhearth and the Gargoyle is an imaginative story about friendship and trust between two lonely hearts. A stone-carved gargoyle, a kind-hearted lady and a shiny, silver spoon are the foundation of a unique friendship based on hope and trust.

The story begins with a lonely, mischievous gargoyle searching for companionship. This charming gargoyle knows that there is more to life than sitting in desolation, allowing birds to nest between his ears and icicles to drip off his chin.

When Mrs. Goodhearth moves into the Great House, the gargoyle is curious about the delicate and graceful creature that sits on her upstairs balcony every morning. In a childlike manner, the gargoyle begins to clandestinely drop things onto the balcony while taunting and teasing Mrs. Goodhearth in a friendly manner. One day Mrs. Goodhearth leaves something fascinatingly shiny on the balcony ledge. The exquisite spoon is the beginning of a mutual friendship as Mrs. Goodhearth coaxes the gargoyle into the warmth of her home using spoons.

The story is told in a poetic manner using remarkable and descriptive metaphors to strengthen the brilliantly written story. The colourful and vivid illustrations by Wendy Bailey allow the reader to envision the development of a friendship while enduring the changes of seasons. This book will certainly warm any reader’s heart!