YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Now, Kathleen is releasing the first of many stories and novels to follow, with Old Fire Eyes, a rip-roaring, young adult, historically accurate adventure novel, which came to her in her sleep in the year 1976. It was like enjoying a feature-length movie. She knew the moment she awoke that this story was a special gift to be shared. Now she is making it available to anyone interested in experiencing the adventures of two thirteen-year-old boys who forge the bond of friendship and trust despite their vast differences.
OLD FIRE EYES
In the spring of 1806, Benjamin receives a key to a hidden strongbox containing money and secret documents which will free him and his fellow slaves. Moments later, he witnesses the murder of the key’s former owner. He is forced to run for his life, carrying with him the heavy responsibility of a promise made.
Leaving behind his protective plantation home in Virginia, he heads into the western wilderness with cunning slave hunters mere steps behind him. Miss Polly, a gun-wielding old spinster, helps Ben to escape with a unique and daring plot, eventually planting him well west of the area being searched by paid assassins. Alone and continuing to keep secret his promises, he is thrust into a new and perilous wilderness, where he must adapt or die.
At the same time, the Cooper family leaves their Virginia home to find a new life in the land west of the Mississippi River. Thirteen-year-old John and his dog, Traveler, grow in strength and knowledge, answering his own call to heroism. Smelly Jack, an ancient long hunter, overcomes his fear of people long enough to take the Coopers under his wing and teach them how to survive. John and Benjamin meet at an Ohio River settlement, where the Coopers arrange to travel by flatboat. Little does either boy know of the dangers which lie ahead or the friendship and trust they will forge, as they encounter nearly fatal obstacles, including a murderer and a rogue, albino grizzly bear that seems to possess mystical powers.
(Coming soon)
GRANDMA BOO’S STORIES FOR CHILDREN
Welcome to a world where children, animals, even inanimate objects have a story to tell! Although Grandma Boo’s quirky tales usually promote kindness, tolerance, and perseverance, they are not based in any specific organized religion. Sometimes written in rhyme but often presented in prose, these delightful stories are suitable for early childhood (ages three to five); for early elementary (grades one through three); for upper elementary (grades three to five); for upper elementary (grades four through six); and for young adults. Filled with adventure, Grandma Boo’s fanciful tales are sure to elicit smiles and provoke questions and conversations about life’s lessons.
The Hungry Hound
Bring on the belly laughs! Written in rhyme, this early childhood story about the crazy antics of an adopted puppy will appeal to you as much as to your child!
Blossom the Possum
How in the world can an opossum sleep if he cannot hang from his tail? The animals of the forest worked together to solve poor Blossom’s problem, but he came up with a unique solution that changed oppossumdom forever after! Filled with the repetition so loved by three to five-year-olds, this delightful story promotes the spirit of cooperation, inclusion, and determination.
Mitchell D. Moose
How do you convince a stuffed toy moose that he can’t join Rudolph at the front of a sleigh? Countless early elementary children have cheered Mitchell on, as he discovers his true destiny, which happens to be much cozier than braving Arctic winds and ice, after all! Enjoyed most by early elementary children.
Eddie the Dragon
Have you ever wondered why we don’t see fire-breathing dragons anymore? Thanks to Grandma Boo, many early elementary children can tell you. You see, it all started when the pilot light in little Eddie’s belly went out. One thing led to another, and the next thing we knew, there were fewer bullies in the world. Bravo, Eddie!
A Mouse’s Tale
Poor Millicent Mouse! Her love of interior design has gotten her in trouble; trouble with four silent feet, a twitchy tail, and big eyes! Escaping in the nick of time, Millicent begins a series of misadventures that carry her across a vast ocean and into the home of a famous woman who appreciates her talents. Along the way, she must contend with an amorous kangaroo rat and highway robbers! Written in verse, this story is suitable for reading to early elementary children, although upper elementary students have enjoyed reading about Millicent’s antics on their own. This story is most entertaining when read aloud!
That Fuzzy Thing Under the Bed
When you were a child, did you lay awake staring into the darkest recesses of your bedroom until your eyes burned? Didn’t we all? This delightfully humorous story about a child who confronts her fears is certain to bring giggles, while perhaps instilling a bit of bedtime bravery. It is written in rhyme for early elementary children.
The Thump
Here is an autobiographical account of the first time young Boo was left alone in her family’s ancient farmhouse. The year was 1951, and she was nearly ten years old, which was old enough, in her parents’ opinion, to spend a few minutes on a reading assignment, while they ran a quick errand. As you will learn, less than one hour was ample time for a young girl with an overactive imagination to conjure up trouble! Written for early through upper elementary students.
Benjamin Bee
Benjamin was a bee, alright, but not just any bee! He was a star in television commercials, thanks to his creator, Alfonso, who was a gifted artist. Benjamin’s life revolved around adspeak, numerous takes, and the envy of other commercial performers. His one wish was to be a real, live bee, able to fly freely outside the studio window through which he gazed longingly. But was he really prepared for life beyond spending his days trying to please directors, and his nights sleeping in an Altoids box? What did his fairy ad mother have to say about his nightly wish? Should she grant his wish? Parents, you might enjoy testing your memory of advertising jingles and tags as you share Benjamin Bee with your child.
Mr. Reedy’s Carrot
Poor Mr. Reedy; all he ever wanted was a blue ribbon at the County Fair. Thanks to a mysterious letter left in his mailbox, he got much more than he had ever dreamed of! This gentle lesson in the value of self-confidence, patience, and perseverance is written for early elementary level children.
Penny Auntie and Uncle Junk
Everyone, regardless of their appearance or behavior, has a place in this world, as upper elementary students learn. When a disaster strikes their little town, Penny Auntie and Uncle Junk come to the rescue, surprising the entire town in the process. This gentle lesson about charity and tolerance is written for upper elementary children.
When I Lived in a Castle
This snippet from the author’s life describes the effect of Second World War news flashes on a young child’s overactive imagination. Told in the first person, this story reveals the early emergence of the author’s creative pluck, not to mention the influence of Tommy Grady’s stash of comic books! Quirky and humorous, the story should tickle the fancy of third through seventh graders.
Alice Goes Camping
Eleven-year-old Alice sometimes wonders how she can possibly be her mother’s own child. In direct opposition to her mom’s tall, beautiful, outgoing nature, Alice is short in both stature and social grace. Her recent move to a big old house in a faraway community gives Alice the perfect excuse for pulling farther into her shell, but her mother has different plans. Alice finds herself on a very strange bus with an even stranger driver, headed to the last place on earth she would choose to be. But wait! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not to mention an old floor lamp in the dusty old walk-up attic. Who is this gnarled little bus driver? Is she a connection to her mother’s secret past? Upper elementary level children will relate well to Alice’s tribulations and, most of all, to her victories!