Step into the pages of one of Mark Ludy's most beloved works and discover the story of a mean old curmudgeon and how his life is forever changed... all because of the love and perspective of a little unsuspecting girl. Her name is Lydia and folks of Dinkerwink think her such an unfortunate child, for she can neither hear nor speak. For she'll never know this man as The Grump, but merely the man with the upside down smile... a man who needs a friend to help turn it right side up. This was Mark Ludy's second work, after "The Farmer" and in the back pages is a bonus story, sharing about the little orphan girl that forever changed his life. This is a short story that can be enjoyed read aloud by the whole family. 3rd - 6th graders love it and can curl up and enjoy it themselves. It is not a "bedtime" read in that it does have more text then Mark's other works. And be sure to enjoy finding Squeakers Mark's elusive grey mouse found in every on of the pages... somewhere