Tommy and the Giant

Tommy and the Giant

A giant lived in the woods outside the lovely little town of Twiddleburg. He was a friendly, gentle giant, very helpful and quiet, usually. Of course, when he walked, the earth shook slightly and dishes jiggled in the cabinet and horses and cows in the barnyard bounced around a bit. This did no harm, but […]

The Cat Who Helped Make History

This is Flag Day. In honor of that, I reprint my story about Tempest, the cat who helped make history.   Star Spangled Cat By Blanche Day Manos “What?” I screeched. “Go to sea? Are you crazy?” Every one of my gray and white hairs stood straight up. Reggie laughed. “You look like a bottle […]

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 […]

Under the Quilting Frame

Under the Quilting Frame

Under the quilting frame, hidden away, Hemmed in by big ladies’ feet, The fireplace crackling and blazing near-by With welcome and comfortable heat, Big ears had I, in my snug little cave With biscuits and bacon to munch, With the quilt for my ceiling, I listened real hard To this busy and talkative bunch. What […]

Fly, Owlbert!

Fly, Owlbert!

Fly, Owlbert! Owlbert liked his dark, cozy home in the old oak tree. It was comfortable; it was warm. He slept all day and at night, Mama and Papa Owl brought him tasty morsels. What more could one small owl ask? “It’s time to learn to fly, Owlbert,” Mother owl hooted softly. “All little owlets […]

What Was That Thing?

What Was That Thing?

The Canebrake Don’t ever go into the canebrake at night When the wind is wild and the moon shines bright. When the birds are still and the river moans, And the cane stalks rattle like old, dry bones. You might encounter an Anjeofust, A strange, weird critter the color of dust, Or a Benleeb or […]