Sometimes the best adventures begin right next door. Dexter thinks Mr. Ryan, the man who lives beside him, is a grumpy old neighbor. But when Dexter offers to help in the garage, he discovers there's a lot more to Mr. Ryan than crossed arms and frowns. Beneath the dust and tools are surprising stories, hands-on projects, and the start of an unexpected friendship. Together, the unlikely pair tackle little fixes, share big laughs, and learn that kindness can turn strangers into friends-and neighbors into family. Perfect for ages 4-8, Dexter and the Not-so-Grumpy Neighbor is a beautifully illustrated picture book that is: A heartwarming story about empathy, kindness, and community Great for kids who love helping out, tinkering, and real-world adventures Ideal for read-aloud time with parents, grandparents, or classrooms Because sometimes the neighbors we least expect become the friends we never forget.