I remember when my older children were little and I would make up stories to tell them before they went to bed. Apparently I need to go dig them up because it is possible to create a really great story for your family that may be shared with the world. It could happen, and it did to Houston-based author and grandfather, Joe Sutton who wrote the children's book, “Wanda and the Oblahlahs,” (Bright Sky Press, Sept. 2011).
"Wanda and the Oblahlahs" is based on a story that this retired U.S. Army Colonel made up when his children were little. Stored away in an attic for approximately 35 years the story has come back to life after his daughter Megan discovered the stories complete with illustrations by her Aunt Jane. The original stories were found in her paretns attic surviving 23 moves, so it must be a story that deserves telling!
She encouraged her father to publish “Wanda and the Oblahlahs” to bring the age-old story back to life for the next generation, including Joe’s five grandchildren. The book will appeal to parents and grandparents who will find that Wanda’s antics do more to illustrate the importance of minding than any amount of parental nagging.
Megan says, "“My father was blessed with the gift of story telling and as far back as I can remember he always put us to bed with a story or two.” “I also recall a small tray beside my bed that I would put my gum in before I went to sleep. I didn’t want to get the ‘Oblahlahs!’”
Meet this Houston based author when he reads “Wanda and the Oblahlahs:”
WHEN: Wednesday, November 16, 10:30 A.M.
WHERE: Learning Express (Storytime)-Katy, 5556 S. Peek Road, Katy, TX 77494
(281) 574-3550 Story time includes singing songs for toddlers and pre-school children.
This book is designed to: offer a bonding time as children and parents or grandparents relive the tale over again, hopefully help children learn valuable life lessons and a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book will be donated to Children at Risk, a non-profit organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Texas’ children through strategic research, community education, collaboration and advocacy.
Story synopis:
Meet Wanda. She loves chewing gum. She chews gum all day long: while she plays with her dog Moldy and her little brother Rocky, while she’s singing, even during school. And that’s okay with her mother, as long as it’s sugarless gum. Wanda’s parents have one rule about all this gum chewing: every night before she goes to bed, Wanda has to deposit her gum right in the trashcan. But what happens when Wanda’s parents go out to dinner and the babysitter doesn’t know the rule? Sometimes even the best child tries to push the envelope. And sometimes the consequences are surprising. When Wanda goes to sleep with gum in her mouth, the Oblahlahs move in. These colorful little creatures throw such a party in her mouth that she can’t chew gum any more. In fact, she can’t even talk. Her parents can’t help, Rocky and Moldy can’t help, even the doctor is at a loss. It’s all up to her. As Wanda lies in bed trying to rid herself of the pesky Oblahlahs, following the rules starts to seem like a much better idea than it ever has before.
In related stories . . .
Comments