Who’s Listening Anyhow

What is there about the way a lot of people use cell phones that reminds me of the children’s story, Pinnochio? Well, let’s see now. Everywhere I go, whether I’m driving or shopping, I see people with phones stuck to their ears or, worse yet, texting. Wrecks happen, someone bumps into someone else or steps […]

The Staying Barn

One spring day many years ago, a farmer decided to build a fine log barn. First, he gathered large stones. He chipped and fitted them together for a firm foundation. The farmer cut many trees, chopped off limbs, and smoothed the trunks. Notch and groove, groove and notch, the logs rose straight and true atop […]

Pete the Peg Legged Pirate

Pete the peg-legged pirate lived on the sea. He had a wooden leg beginning just below his knee. A bright and mouthy parrot sat upon his shoulder Who was at least as old as Pete or maybe even older. Pete had a trusty gang of men as gnarly as they come, They lived on fish […]

What Happened With the Night Before?

The Night Before Christmas is a beloved story/poem by Clement C. Moore, first published in 1823. It is a classic, a favorite of children, and one of my favorite children’s books too. But, I wondered, how would it have sounded if Mr. Moore had not told the story in rhyme? What if he had just […]

A Strange, Rainy Day Concluded

A Strange, Rainy Day Concluded

The Approach of Ginger Ed

The Approach of Ginger Ed

Today is part 2 of the mini-mystery for children I posted yesterday. Tomorrow, I’ll finish it up and then do a short critique of what I could have done that would have made the story better. “I guess I’d better tell you, Nellie Sue,” Grandma said in her soft voice. “Ginger Ed has escaped from prison […]