The blue umbrella

the long version

"The life of ten-year-old Zac Sparks changes overnight when his mother is killed by lightning. He's sent to live in Five Corners with his Aunties, two cruel old hags who seem determined to make his life miserable. Before long Zac realizes something really strange is going on: Five Corners is populated with weird characters--a midget butler, a girl who doesn't speak, a blind balloon seller, and a mysterious singer he can hear but not see. Then there's the Aunties' father, Dada. Zac's first encounter with Dada is so terrifying he faints dead away."--From publisher's description.