Every couple of months I visit my friends Dan and Lisa Melbourne and their children Katie (8) and Alex (5) in sleepy La Plume, PA. It's my custom to bring books for everyone, and last time I brought Katie THE CHRISTMAS THINGY. As Paul suggests in the foreword, I read it aloud. Usually I'm not a good reader--tend to rush--but for once I took my time and read with such brio that Shatner himself would have shouted, "Now THAT'S acting!" The little girl was entranced. I was more than happy to read it again, pointing out subtleties in the wonderful artwork. But the best part came two days later when I say saying "goodbye 'til next time." I found Katie in her room reading the book to her little brother! Helping him with big words! (They are both exceptional readers for their ages.) Ah, that was such a fine sight... Anyone else on the board give the book to a child? How did the young'un like it? (If you haven't read it and you're a fan of Paul's fiction--who here isn't?--track down a copy. After you read it, you'll be smiling for the rest of the day.)

My kids both like the book too. Maybe I should read it to Annika again, as we haven't done so since Christmas.

Lisa

Anyone else on the board give the book to a child? How did the young'un like it? (If you haven't read it and you're a fan of Paul's fiction--who here isn't?--track down a copy. After you read it, you'll be smiling for the rest of the day.)

I posted this a couple of months ago.

Christmas in May

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I subbed for a third grade class today; I needed some adulation not found in the middle schoolers of the species. Anyway, they allot 45 minutes to reading in the afternoon, so I zipped home at lunch and grabbed The Christmas Thingy to read to them. My Murgatroyd must have improved because I've never had such a rapt audience; they gave me a standing O upon finishing. Naturally, I told them all about my favorite author and handed out books of matches. Good stuff.

Scott