Purple-furred imaginary friend Shovel narrates in first person, addressing eleven-year-old Zach in second person. Zach's life was split into BEFORE and AFTER when his dad died when Zach was six; Before, Shovel had begun to fade, but After, Zach retreats into a fantasy world with Shovel for company. Now Zach is entering middle school - what will happen to Shovel?

Illustrations spotlight the most humorous parts of the story (Shovel using AC vents to blow himself around a room). ( )