Once There Was...

"I liked the stories best.

Once there was

a lion who could not roar. . .

Once there was

a man who sailed the sea. . .

Once there was

a child who found a treasure. . .

The stories would lift me up,

the words like a breeze beneath

butterfly wings,

and take me far from the pain in my belly

and the fight not in my heart.

I hope they will have stories

at my school.

If they don't know how,

perhaps I can teach them.

It isn't such a hard thing.

All you must do is say

Once there was. . .

and then let your hoping find the words."

- from HOME OF THE BRAVE by Katherine Applegate

I'm hearing lots of buzz about Katherine's newest WISHTREE, coming September 26, from the viewpoint of a tree (!) named Red. Can't wait!