Depression and death are dual themes in this story - Julia's mum's serious depression after the death of Julia's small sister, Katy. There is a miasma of sadness in the house that Julia does not understand. She has managed to block out Katy's sudden death (from a heart condition), and it is not until later in the story that we begin to hear about Katy. Mum's constant tiredness, her inability to cope with life or with Julia, dad's constant and loving presence, trying his best to fulfill both rolls of breadwinner and cook, as well as helping Julia - all this rings true. Julia cannot understand why her usual bubbly mum seems no longer to love her. In the night, she hears breathing in her room and sees a shape above the door - a shape that is at first menacing but becomes a supernatural being that looks after Katy in Julia's imagination. Grandma comes to stay when mum must go to hospital, and when Julia is able to talk to her, all the fears come tumbling out. A new family next door, with a girl Julia's age and a baby boy, helps her recovery, and when mum returns, much more herself, there is hope. Written by Diane Bates after the loss of her own little girl, the story is a realistic portrayal of depression and death and the effects these two grim realities have on a family. Moving, with gentle pencil illustrations.