<b>Illustrator, Peter Rankin, is the 2004 recipient of the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in illustration.<br></b><br><br>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? <br><br>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.