The innocence, curiosity, and boundless imagination of childhood create a fertile ground for deep and lasting connections. Through the characters of Meddy and Milo, Kate Milford explores how children bond through adventure and illustrates how the whimsical and imaginative nature of childhood play creates a backdrop against which friendships blossom organically. One of the primary ways children bond is by engaging in shared exploration. Meddy explains how applying the structure of a role-playing game will enhance their investigation of the mysteries of Greenglass House: “It’s an adventure within a game world. Our game world is your house, and our adventure—our campaign—is going to be figuring out the mystery behind that chart” (52). Whether it is exploring the treasures of the Emporium, collating clues behind the Christmas tree, or searching the guest rooms for stolen items, the collaborative act of discovery fosters a sense of unity between Meddy and Milo and the shared thrill of the unknown becomes a common thread knitting the new friends together in a tapestry of shared experiences.

The role-playing game allows Meddy and Milo to create new personas and narratives that let them explore new aspects of their personalities. Meddy describes her scholiast character, “She’d just be excited to be able to join the adventure.