About Me

About Me:

Official PANK (Professional Aunt, No Kids) and pet mom to a too-smart-for-his-own-good cat, Charlie. My wonderful husband and I split our time between Denver and NYC and love to travel. Between two nephews, a mischievous cat, big city, mountains and new experiences, it's hard not to be inspired.

About the stories:

I was hanging out with one of my nephews during his "I only want to eat bananas" phase. I was watching him stuff a banana into his tiny mouth, laboriously chew and finally swallow (which seemed to take about 5 minutes) when he looks up at me and says, "I want a banana". I told him I thought he had enough for now and we began to have an interesting conversation which included the line, "Elephants don't eat bananas". The wording stuck with me, and a story was born. I came up with 3 other animal-based stories and put all of them into a sketch book, along with accompanying illustrations, as a special gift just for him. Many stories followed after that, both for him and his younger brother when he was born. I decided to post them here, as well as stories I am continually imagining, during the Coronavirus outbreak that caused all of us to socially isolate. Knowing parents and kids are cooped up during this difficult time, I wanted to share (free of charge) stories that can help entertain the kids and hopefully manage to amuse the parents. The effort also helps keep me occupied and sane :)

You can subscribe (again free-and of course I don't share information with outside parties) so you know when I add new stories. If you like the stories, please feel free to share :)!

You can search the stories either by date or by tags (many of the stories are educational in nature, feature certain themes-like animals or space, are illustrated, or "just for fun"-which are usually unillustrated but fun, quick poems I think parents will appreciate as well.). Some are inspired by Dr. Seuss, others more Shel Silverstein. I hope your family enjoys them all!

Disruption

The Rabbits' one job was simple, For they were who were in charge Of eating and keeping grass short When it was in danger of getting too large. Each animal in the old forest Would use their own expertise To keep it a nice place to live. This agreement worked well with ease. The Beavers made sure all the trees Never fell and hurt someone below. The Bears would plow walkable paths For the animals to walk in the snow. And the Rabbits, with their eating talents, Made sure all the grass stayed at bay. When it got too long and too full, Smaller animals could not find their way. But one day the others had noticed That the edge of the meadow grew tall. The Rabbits still ate the grass, But did not go near the edges at all. It was curious, thought the Raccoon. And days later, the area unmown Had grown to be even bigger! Deer and Squirrel had agreed when shown. They called together the council To discuss the issue at hand. The area where grass was uneaten Kept expanding to more of the land.

A Ghost's Lament

You'd think it fun as a ghost, But you have not thought it through. We have more problems than most. These laments I share are so true. I used to love drink and feast! How I loved burgers and fries! But now eating and dining has ceased- I can only enjoy with my eyes. Dressing up to go out was so fun! I'd wear makeup and don a nice blouse! But since this ghost life has begun I found I cannot leave this house! Can you hear the boredom in my voice? I twiddle my thumbs for ages! Even reading is no longer a choice When your fingers pass through the pages. And the new tenants have horrible taste! You should see what they've done with my room! Orange paint slapped on with such haste. And ugh! You should smell her perfume! And it's I they have tried to evict! With "exorcists" and bundles of sage. Trust me, it's not them I'd have picked! Their awful habits fill me with rage! She picks her nose and he chews too loud, Dirty dishes piling up in the sink. Whoever

One of Those Days

Hare woke up quite early But felt good and did declare "Today is going to be great! I can feel it in the air!" Autumn was setting in, Leaves falling to the ground. A brisk chill in the wind, "I should go walk around!" The sun just started rising, Shadows danced on forest floor. Though Hares can see quite well, Where he stepped he wasn't sure. A giant oak tree root Was hidden by fallen leaves. Before Hare could stop himself He tripped, scraping his knees. Hare sat for a short while, Tending to his abrasions. Still in the same good mood He'd not be saddened by one occasion. Hare heard his tummy grumble, He knew it was breakfast time. He came upon some berries, That were clearly in their prime. He had never seen such berries- Big and round and bright! "These will be so delicious!" He thought with much delight! He put one in his mouth, Excited to devour. But quickly spit it out- It was tart and very sour. He tried one and two more, But each was just

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