Author
Lutisia Taylor
Illustrator Safeez Studio
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
- Albert Einstein -Copyright 2017 Lutisia Taylor
Registration Number / Date: TXu002115255 / 2018-08-31
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Printed by Kindle Direct Publishing, Inc. in the United States of America
First printing, 2018
Edited by KS Studios
PattySue Publishing Company
1612 SW Madison Circle Lees Summit, MO 64081 www.lutisia.com
DEDICATION
Uncle Freddie,
Thank you for always stepping in to help when I need you the most.
A softly singing voice can be heard as Reese walks over the hill to the park. “We camouflage so well it will make you say, ‘Could it be a walking stick?’”
Fred The Walking Stick is trying to take a nap on the bench when Reese walks by, still singing to herself.
“Would you be quiet? I’m trying to sleep over here!”
“Is that you, Fred?” Reese asks, looking at the bench.
“Yes, but call me Pops. I am a lot older than you.”
“Hi Fred, I mean Pops, I’m Reese the Walking Stick. Wow, Pops, you’re tall.”
“Yes, I am 22 inches to be exact. I’m the tallest Walking Stick ever. The sun is out, Reese, why aren’t you sleeping? Walking Sticks sleep in the daytime. Reese, you should be sleeping and camouflaging.”
“I do sleep and camouflage. I’m headed to school right now.”
“School?! But you’re a Walking Stick.”
“I know, but I’m a Walking Stick Pet, you should try it.”
“No, thank you. I’m going back to sleep!”
Fred says loudly.
“Well, I’m going to school,” says Reese. “I’ll see you later, Pops!”
Reese leaves, and Fred settles down to try to rest. As he was about to nod off, he’s rudely interrupted.
“Burpppppppp!”
“Really, Shawn?!”
“Oh hey, Fred.”
“Pops; call me Pops.”
“Hey, Pops.”
Fred sits up again on the bench. “You’re just plain rude Shawn Marley.”
“I’m sorry Pops; I should have said excuse me.”
“You’re excused, Shawn. What are you eating? It looks like poop.”
Shawn starts laughing. “No Pops, its chocolate. Have you ever had chocolate before?”
“No, I haven’t. It’s not healthy for you. If you want to get as old as me, you need to stop eating chocolate and eat more green leafy vegetables and fruit.”
“I do eat healthy food, but it’s okay to eat junk food sometimes.”
Fred rolls his eyes. “Sure you do. I’m going back to sleep Shawn. Get out of here and see if you can find some healthy food.”
“Okay, see you later Pops.”
Shawn walks away, and Fred settles down for his nap. But before he can close his eyes, he’s interrupted once more.
“Shopping spree, shopping spree!” sing Bree and Belle as they dance into the park.
Fred
jumps up and yells, “My word, I’m trying to sleep! Am I the only Walking Stick that sleeps in the daytime?”
“We’re sorry, Pops. We’re excited to go shopping,” says Belle.
“I see you every day, and every day you’re going shopping. What could you possibly need? Girls, when I was growing up, all I had was one pair of pants and one shirt.”
Bree and Belle gasp.
“No way! I’m sorry you were part of the less fortunate,” says Bree.
“I wasn’t less fortunate, silly. I simply didn’t need the extra clothes, and neither do the two of you.”
“We understand that. But if I was in gym class, I couldn’t wear a dress,” says Belle.
“I guess that makes sense. Have fun shopping; I’m going back to sleep, hopefully.”
“Okay Pops, see you later!” Bree and Belle say together, and walk away.
Nick runs past, bouncing a basketball.
“Stop, I’m trying to sleep! Anyway, why are you bouncing a basketball? Aren’t you a Walking Stick?” complains Fred.
Nick stops. “Yes, I am; I’m Nick the Walking Stick. I’m a best friend pet to Tony. He taught me how to play sports.”
“Why would you want to be a Best Friend Pet? There’s nothing cooler than being a Walking Stick.”
“You should try being a pet,” says Nick. “You get to do cool stuff like go to school, vacation, and play sports.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” says Fred. “Good luck with your game you young whippersnapper.”
Nick throws the ball to Fred saying, “It was good talking to you. Gotta bounce!”
“Huh?” Fred grumbles. He hands the ball back.
Nick waves back to him, walking away. “Bye!”
Fred finally manages to sleep, undisturbed.
Later that day, all the Walking Sticks come by to see Fred. Everyone has brought him a gift.
Reese gives him a book called ‘Could it be a Walking Stick?’.
Nick gives him a basketball.
Shawn gives him strawberries dipped in chocolate.
Belle and Bree give him a tuxedo and a glitter cane.
Today has been a good day. I didn’t get much sleep, but I learned a lot. I guess you’re never too old to learn.
Remember, boys and girls, YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW!
Until next time, Fred the Walking Stick
Color the picture.
the picture.
Color
Color the picture.
Color the picture.
Color the picture.