This post is to prove something to my mom. We were talking about things from the past, how I have always wanted to write a book, be published and my evident stagnation at producing said book. I reminded her that in 10th grade I wrote a children’s book for Mrs. Young in Creative Writing and she illustrated it. She has no memory of that so I am hoping that once she reads this post and sees proof she will remember. I am sure she will be cringing but hey—-my words are out there now and my lame attempt at a children’s book are forever going to be floating around cyberspace so she needs to share the fame.
Please keep in mind—-I was in 10th grade. 🙂

The cover which was not very sturdy and as a result I only got an Honorable Mention in competition. Oh well.
There you have it—proof that my mom was an vital part of my creative writing way back then and proof that I have kept this tattered book for 37 years. Sad but true.
Keep an eye out for Franklin F. Firefly—it is firefly season!!!
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Love this!
Hahahahahah! Thanks, Hilary!!! 🙂 Think TBM will review it??? 🙂
This is adorable! The story and the illustrations are so much FUN! Love the name.
Thanks! My claim to fame—Franklin F. Firefly!
Well done. And now you have published a book.
Okay—I will claim it! My mom will be horrified, I am sure, when she reads this post. 🙂
Not only did you write well, but your mother draws beautifully!
I am in pain from laughing! I kind of remember a little but still not much. I am old and forgetful. I had to get my magnifying glass out to read some of it, still could not read it. Bring it along sometime so I can read all of it. I was a bit horrified but I am strong, I am used to my kids and all the things they do to me. So there!
Oh Mother—you know it is all because we love you! I loved that you did the pictures for my book—-I had the idea and I remember we used a coloring book to figure out what you could use for the ideas for the pages. I think the cat might be Puss in Boots…..I do remember we had fun doing it together and it managed to get me a decent grade so that was the goal! I will bring it next trip so you can see you handiwork!
Oh, Beth Ann, I am so glad you saved this. What a treasure. I mean that. Your mom really is a good artist. I may have seen Franklin in my backyard. I will watch more closely for the firefly with the light bulb light. Love fireflies.
Congrats on self-publication of your first children’s book.
I am so glad you think it is a treasure! 🙂 I just had to prove a point to my mom and there you go—- a blog post. It’s Just Life!!! 🙂
Many of our childhood writings and drawings are treasures, in my creative opinion.
Personally, I think the book and the illustrations are “lights-out” kudos to both of you.
Thanks, Jake! I don’t take that compliment lightly.
That is because you are a very bright lady..
This is hilarious! I hope you read it to little ones back then, and you could now, too! A very imaginative and sweet story.
Thanks, McGuffy Ann! it does not compare to your children’s book but if it gave a couple people a giggle that is good!
I love it! 😉
Thanks so much, McGuffy Ann!!!
I am so glad you shared this piece with us all (and your mom seems to have enjoyed it, too!). The fireflies are awesome this year….the heat/humidity must be to their liking!!! Hugs…..
Thanks, Doreen! I love that I actually kept this little book and that my mom got a kick out of seeing it. I will make sure I take it the next time I see her so we can chuckle over it.
The story is so adorable and the illustrations are pretty amazing. Your mom is quite the artist! 🙂
My mom really has a gift, that is for sure, even if she denies it. I have several of her watercolors in our home and I love them!
Awesome Beth. It seems that your creativity has gone technical, hence this blog…LOL 10th grade seems so long ago. Have a happy week
Joanna, Not sure if you were in that Creative Writing class or not—-Mrs. Young had us do some fun things I remember!!! I am sure she would be surprised that I still have that book!
How delightful. And to think you kept it all this time. I love that you and your mom collaborated on this project!
I think I roped her into it!!! But it was fun from what I remember and I did get an honorable mention so I guess it was okay !
it was more than OK. I love the story!
Aw…thanks, Darlene!!!
Beth Ann very sweet! What’s not to love about this? Darling!
🙂
Cute story and illustrations. You and your mom are both gifted.
Thanks, Patti!! I had to prove a point to her and I guess it got her some attention, too!