The house that Jack built was made entirely with scraps that other people threw away. He used boxes for walls and travelled all over Connecticut to get free building materials.

.Jack turned 85 in 2009 and still lives in the house, which is also home to many guests. “I am pleased that I can help the youth in town through the Westbrook Foundation with scholarship money from our proceeds”, Jack says

The book features Jack’s experiences in 1956 when he built a three bedroom home near Westbrook beaches from scratch for $1,800. “ I am interviewed in the book by my long time friend Carolyn Koch, who beautifully illustrates the story with imaginative drawings and captions that get readers of all ages into my story”, says Jack.. “The story would never have been told without this creative help from Carolyn and her mom Louise Cook, a Westbrook resident. Carolyn’s art and her funny phrases turn my scavenger hunt into a fun adventure.

The book is available at local book stores.