Looking for children’s book from 1950s. Kids move to Florida into rooming house. There is a mysterious friend named Don who lives in their shed. Little sister plays under a “biscuit” (hibiscus) bush. A hurricane reveals all when Don’s father is revealed.
Stump the Bookseller
New format, same book stumper solving.
“The Pink Motel” by Carol Ryrie Brink.
“No Children, No Pets,” by Marion Holland, Knopf (1956). I have my childhood copy here and here’s the little girl who hides little treasures under a “biscuit bush.” Also a mysterious man who, in the aftermath of a hurricane, turns out to be someone’s father — not of Don, as it happens, who is one of the out-of-state siblings, but of their local friend “Mike.” Loved this book as a kid. Its numerous sweet illustrations (unattributed — by the author?) strengthen its evocation of long sandy beaches and shell-collecting and other details of Florida life.
This is definitely “No Children, No Pets” by Marion Holland. It was one of my favorites growing up and show up here as a stumper every few years.
I agree. “No Children, No Pets.” One of my favorites. Received my copy from a book club. My aunt had given me a membership for my birthday, and that was the best book I received that year.