A frog and a toad have inspired generations of children and adults. Although they existed only on the pages of books by Arnold Lobel, these small amphibians taught real life lessons. Frog and Toad were friends and never a day went by that one didn’t go visit the other and, over a piece of cake […]
Apr 8, 2024
Tea and Cake
By Blanche Manos · 2 Comments
Filed Under: Musings · Tagged: authors, books, children's stories, fiction, friendship, Frog and Toad, tea and cake, writing
Jan 31, 2024
Where Is Elmer Now?
By Blanche Manos · 2 Comments
He was been around for two generations–that’s a pretty good long while for an earthworm. Maybe it’s because he was daring and brave or just went from one adventure to the next without noticing the passing of time. His name was Elmer and he existed only in my imagination and in the minds of children. […]
Filed Under: Children · Tagged: bedtime stories, children's stories, earthworm, Elmer, fantasy, Manos
Jan 24, 2024
Who’s Listening Anyhow
By Blanche Manos · 2 Comments
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 […]
Filed Under: Musings · Tagged: cell phones, children's stories, lessons, Manos, morals, mysteries, Pinnochio
May 23, 2023
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 […]
Jan 11, 2023
Pete the Peg Legged Pirate
By Blanche Manos · 2 Comments
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 […]
Filed Under: Musings · Tagged: children's stories, cozies, fantasy, Manos, mysteries, Pat the Parrot, Pete the Pirate, pirates, sailors, sea
Dec 23, 2021
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 […]
Filed Under: Children · Tagged: children's stories, Christmas, Clement C. Moore, poems, reindeer, sleigh, The Night Before Christmas
