It’s that time of year, so here we go again.

If you're looking for a unique, reasonably priced Christmas gift for your sons and daughters and nieces and nephews, or even some adult children on your list, your ol' buddy the Effster has heard your wails of despair and once again come to the rescue.

For a limited time we're offering inscribed copies of my illustrated children's Christmas book, The Christmas Thingy. The same local bookseller as last year has agreed to handle the sales.

NOTA BENE: We'll have to cut off orders as of ***12/20*** to guarantee Christmas delivery.

It's out of print everywhere except this newsletter, but you can go here for a peek inside.

Here's the deal: For $20 ($15 + $5 S&H) you'll get the large-size (11.4 x 8.9 inches) softcover fully illustrated book inscribed to the recipient. After you call in your order to Rita at Book Towne, I'll stop by her store and inscribe the book to the intended recipient(s), then she'll pop it in the mail.

I usually write (with a red Sharpie):
"To Thingy's pal,
(name or names),
Merry Christmas!"
and then my signature.

Call Rita at 732-722-7255 or stop by her store at 171 Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736

As the proud owner of one, I can say it's a great book and kids love it.

Dang. I really want to order this for the kids. Going to have to see if I can find some available cash. Being on a budget sucks arse sometimes.

My Thingy is going to get a workout...get your minds out of the gutter. I'm talking about my copy of The Christmas Thingy. I work in an elementary school and approached the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers about reading it to their classes and they all said yes. I plan on providing the url to see if I can hawk a few copies.

As the proud owner of one, I can say it's a great book and kids love it.

Cobalt speaks only truth. THE CHRISTMAS THINGY is wonderful.

I just ordered my copy (which will also be my first book signed by the man!!). It was kinda cool. The first thing Rita asked me was where I was from, and referred to FPW as Dr. Wilson. I'll definitely read it to my kids (to whom it should be signed).

It would be really cool if I could convince Dr. Wilson to draw a little kicker man in there, too! (hint hint!!)

My Thingy is going to get a workout...get your minds out of the gutter. I'm talking about my copy of The Christmas Thingy. I work in an elementary school and approached the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers about reading it to their classes and they all said yes. I plan on providing the url to see if I can hawk a few copies.

I just buzzed through it as my first reading is this afternoon and wouldn't you know it, I'm getting a sore throat and Murgatroyd is murder on my vocal chords already. Fear not I shall persevere.

I think I have already given it to all the grand nieces/nephews... but I will have to check!!!

It's also a great book to read aloud to little ones.

Well I read it to the 5th graders last week and the response was quite positive, although one girl told me it was "long". In one class it generated some great discussions about friendship, trust and stealing.

Yesterday I read it to the 3rd graders and they loved it. One class wrote me a letter and here it is:

Dear Mr. Scott

We were excited to hear your imaginative story. Some of our favorite parts were when we saw The Christmas Thingy, when Jessica and Thingy became best friends and when we found out Thingy changed his ways. Your voice made the story interesting and made us feel like we were in the story. Mr. Scott your story was so special to us that we will never forget it.

Thank you for inviting third grade to this reading. One of your favorite stories is now one of our favorite stories.

Your friends,

The Team Lions

So thanks again to FPW for giving me something to read to help connect with the youth and I swear I told them that you were the author.