How to use this Page

For anyone who has seen a Shine Through program or has read Falcon’s Prey or Lymeria, you probably picked up a pretty obvious “Confidence is the way of the future!” vibe. For six plus years, I have been using writing as an esteem booster, and for four of those years, I have used motivational speaking to encourage others to find their own ways to gain confidence. But it was only this past summer that I myself learned the most important thing about confidence.
It came like a slap in the face. Simple, easy, obvious, and smarted like no one’s business. Why hadn’t I realized it before? It’s not like the idea was so otherworldly that I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming. The scary thing was that it was all so there, like a shop window you pass on your way to school, but fail to notice. Then, on a rainy day, as you find shelter under the awning after dejectedly walking home from missing the bus, you notice. How could you have not seen the beautiful things inside?
I have been practicing the art of self esteem my whole life. I have also enjoyed the fine sport of a good challenge. So, naturally, when I was shoved into the role of Lola in Damn Yankees a few weeks ago, I accepted the character as a worthy opponent. Boy was I in for a ride.
During the short breath of air before senior year, I discovered just how tough one of my biggest fears truly sized up to be. Lola was a fierce, sassy Latin seductress who drove men wild and got all the big dance numbers. I am a short, operatic piece of white bread who giggles at uncomfortable intervals and dropped out of tap class in the seventh grade after the first day. Nonetheless, I announced my determination and dedication to both the director and choreographer with a brave face and mounting courage. It wasn’t long till I was stepping on everyone’s feet and being told that my “sexy” voice sounded like Forrest Gump. It was turning into a long summer.
Opening night came on a Thursday. A long Thursday. A hot, sticky, muggy Thursday.
Being a veteran of the theater since age six, I had only occasionally experienced the butterflies and the shakes. Acting has always been, well, my thing. And I was always proud of the hard work I put in to make each performance my best. On that stifling, suffocating Thursday, I was perfectly ill.
Stage fright. Was I seriously falling victim to stage fright? Well, first the nausea, then the headache, and as I popped a Tylenol for the abdominal pain, my teeth chattered so loud that my friend offered me his jacket…in August. It was stage fright, the bane of the acting world, the vampire that seemed to suck all confidence out of my jugular. I felt the cold breeze of terror slide beneath the walls and through the cracks of my one true stronghold. After years of struggling with my self esteem, with bullies and loneliness, I had never once thought that my acting could ever be the target.
I moved out of the dressing room, where most of the cast sat in a messy circle singing the Beatles, and wandered off into the wings, or the side of the stage where everything was blindingly dark. I didn’t want to be seen in all my nervous glory. As I clung to the curtain ropes and tried desperately not to hyperventilate, I pondered.
Why this? Why now? I was finally at the moment in my life where things seemed perfect. My whole life I had wanted half of what I have earned over the past few years, and I can’t possibly be more grateful for it all. I have ventured far from being the friendless, overly-obsessive fat kid. I even refused to do many things that I loved out of fear of judgment and disappointment. Now, I have more friends than I can count, am starring in roles I had only ever dreamed of playing, am the author of two novels, have had the opportunity to reach out to young people across the nation, am complimented on my previously non-existent sense of style, and I’m loving life more and more each day. I thought that, if I could valiantly vanquish Lola in all her skimpy costumes and Charo-esque accent, I would finally have reached the top of my mountain, and could sit back and enjoy the view from my throne.
So it’s obvious why that slap in the face hurt so much. I realized, after sprinting uphill to receive my prize of a life’s supply of self esteem, I would never be able to.
Confidence is not a destination, but a sometimes bumpy, always scenic road that can lead you nowhere but up.
At the moment, I was struggling through a pothole.
The lights on the stage faded to black and I realized in a panicky hiccup of time that it was my turn to go on. Still keeping my head high, but feeling my knees tremble, I felt my way across the stage and sat on the chair placed slightly stage left, my heart pounding louder than the percussion from the orchestra below.
I had about twenty seconds to collect my thoughts and keep myself from fainting. What was I supposed to do now? The realization that I could never have perfect confidence was enough to throw me off balance, and with the added stage fright, I needed to resolve things fast. So, even if I completely conquered the Lola beast there and then, I would not be the queen of anything. Okay, that didn’t help…
But if I overcame my insecurities anyway, I would still be proud of my performance and still have a lot more self esteem than when I started. Better… And, if I knew that I would always have challenges to face, Lola wouldn’t seem so monstrous. Getting warmer… And most importantly, if I let go of all my inhibitions with this show, and realized that I was no superman, then I would be able to relax and enjoy the challenges and rewards that life would bring with a brave heart and a deeper appreciation. A little preach-y but as close to perfect as it would get with three seconds to go…
I took a deep breath. The lights came up.
And I had the time of my life.
So now, with Damn Yankees behind me and a life of improvement before me, I feel just fine. Knowing that I will always have a battle to fight makes me stronger. And knowing that my confidence will only grow brighter whether I win or lose makes me look to the future. We are all capable of making ourselves just a little better than we were the day before. That piece of proverbial comfort food may be just what we need to push ourselves just a little farther each day.
It gives us a gratitude for the things we have and the excitement to try new things. Confidence is always right beside us, waiting for our permission to give us a little nudge or a great leap to do what we never dreamed possible. So pack your sunscreen and charge your cameras. The long road of confidence is a beautiful thing. Snap a few pictures. Write a few postcards. And above all, enjoy the journey.

Author: Teresa Bateman (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Lynne Cravath (on JOMB)
Published: 2002 Albert Whitman (on JOMB)
ISBN: 9780807566282

Swapping dainty dancing for hoops and hoots, this upbeat spin on The Twelve Dancing Princesses brings spring and spirit into the age old tale.

More fairy tales gone wild and fun with the familiar on JOMB:

• The Frog Prince Continued
• And the DISH Ran Away with the SPOON
• Badness for Beginners
• Bantam of the Opera
• Bill in a China Shop
• Cinderella Skeleton
• Falling For Rapunzel
• Monster Goose
• Oops!
• Petite Rouge, A Cajun Red Riding Hood
• Rumplestilskin’s Daughter
• Science Verse
• Such A Prince
• Swine Lake
• The Crow
• The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza
• The Three Fishing Brothers Gruff
• The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
• Wait! No Paint!

Pop over to Becky’s Book Reviews for today’s full menu of poetry offerings. Poetry Fridays are brought to us by Kelly Herold of Big A, Little A.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487, so we can include your audio in our show.

Author: Mem Fox (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Pamela Lofts (on JOMB)
Published: 2005 Harcourt (on JOMB)
ISBN: 9780152163181

Amidst mauve and pink Australian sunsets, this lyrically told and beautifully illustrated tale reminds us of the underrated pleasures of simply loving.

Other books mentioned:

• Elizabeti’s Doll

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487, so we can include your audio in our show.

Author: Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen
Illustrator: Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Published: 2009 Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 9781585364176

Doey eyes, gangly legs and silent, tangible devotion make this true tale of rescue, regret and release a thought provoking look at the value of life and freedom.

Other books mentioned:

• Saving Samantha: A True Story

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487, so we can include your audio in our show.

Author: Paul Fleischman (on JOMB)
Illustrator: David Roberts (on JOMB)
Published: 2009 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763624985

Clean lines, comical details and snappy, generous first person narration sweep us into this suspenseful tale of strategy, solidarity and overlooked superpowers.

Other books mentioned:

• Iggy Peck, Architect
• The Mysterious Benedict Society
• Miss Nelson is Missing

More independent thinkers on JOMB:

• Willow
• Odd Velvet
• Suki’s Kimono
• Ruby’s Wish
• Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick
• Silly Tilly
• more here.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487, so we can include your audio in our show.

Last week, I asked how you measure the progress of revising your novel, or of a writing session. Here’s the results:

Word Count and Page Count Indicate Progress

Word Count edges out Page Count by one vote. It seems the ease of counting words with word processors has made Word Count one of the easiest statistics by which to measure progress.

39,704 Words!

However, Page Count was only one vote behind.
Either way, it seems that we like those numbers! We can graph it, brag it, and soothe our writing beast with numbers.

Other Benchmarks of Progress

However, the other benchmarks of progress also got votes: finishing a chapter or an act, and the amount of time spent. It makes sense that not everyone does it the same way. Some write fast, others slow, so a time limit can easily work. I know that when I had four children underfoot, fifteen minutes a day was success!

Setting and Finishing Goals

Barbara Seuling says that she tries to meet the challenge of whatever faces her in a writing session and if she does that successfully, then she’s made progress. This gets away from the numbers and focuses more on the process and the content - a valuable approach.

Casey points out the obvious: we only worry about measuring progress when there’s a pause in the progress.

I think this is partly about the rhythms of the day, the rhythms of the work. But it could also be places/times when you get unexpectedly stuck! Then, we need to measure our progress to remind ourselves that we are making progress. Usually, for me, that’s why I stop and evaluate my progress: to maintain my confidence that I can continue to make progress.

Post from: Revision Notes Revise Your Novel! Copyright 2009. Darcy Pattison. All Rights Reserved.

Related posts:

1. Measuring Progress
2. My Current Works in Progress
3. Writing rhythms

I was pleasantly surprised to find two comments from writers that were recently added! How nice! I have two manuscripts in my desk that were rejected a number of times. I have a manuscript that could be a winner that I am working on with the help of a friend. And I have already received [...]

At a recent school visit in Georgia, a bright, confident 5th grader came up to me after my presentation and said, "I just want you to know, I'm going to be a famous author." No qualification to her statement, no hesitation, no "maybe's." Just flat out, positive fact.

I think my answer back was, "I have no doubt." And, I didn't. Later, I tried to decide if in her statement, she was simply stating a fact; wanting to give me an "FYI," or if she was issuing a challenge. I'm kinda leaning toward the challenge. "Just wanted you to know, I'M going to be a famous author, so enjoy your time in the spotlight while you can."

I still smile when I think about her. When I was in the 5th grade, I was trying to figure out how to keep from showing a mouth full of teeth that were far too big for the rest of me! Or, wondering whether I'd be chosen to play in the elementary school's lunchtime softball game.

Although the enthusiastic young reader in the picture isn't my new-found competition, she is an avid reader of "Cynthia's" Attic". And, who knows? With her quiet confidence, I have no doubt she will grow up to be an author, doctor, inspiring educator or maybe even President.

To all the young authors out there. Bring it on! I love it. I love the fact that maybe...just maybe my books have inspired you to write. There is no higher compliment.


Quake Books - Inspiring young writers!

With apologies to my friends of other faiths and cultures who may not have heard this song or celebrate the Hallmark-sponsored winter holiday of Xmas, I wanted to share an epiphany I had today about a song that’s been rattling around my brain for 38 years. 

I never knew the untold marketing lessons lying beneath the cheesy exterior of this holiday classic, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Take a listen with me and follow along:

Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose

Be uniquely you, shiny red nose and all. Are you weird, snarky, or just really like Smurf culture? Be that. Be it on purpose and without apology.

And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed

Let people see you. Get out there. Help people see who you are, share your Smurf love.

All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names

Oh, yeah, that’s gonna happen. Count on it. Actually, embrace it. If some people are beating you down or calling you names, it means you’re out there, you’re doing it. Bravo!

They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games

Yeah, that’ll happen too. S’okay. Just keep lining up to get picked and eventually you’ll get in the game. Or, you can find another team. Just don’t quit the games altogether, mmkay?

Then one foggy Christmas eve, Santa came to say, “Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Your patience and game-playing will be rewarded. Don’t wait for Santa, but know that if you keep doing that other stuff, he’ll find you.

Then how the reindeer loved him, and they shouted out with glee, “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, you’ll go down in history!”

Hey, I didn’t write the song, okay? I just analyzed it for you. Now when you shop the aisles of your local Safeway, you’ll have something new to think about while accompanied by the holiday classics.

Related items

• Five Freelance Secrets You Don’t Read About in Books
• Work for Free!
• Go Get It!
• Al Roker, be my friend!
• How’s your follow-through?

Looking for a great resource? Check out Dosomething.org. I just discovered it on Twitter and it rocks!

Author: Alexis O’Neill (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Laura Huliska-Beith (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Scholastic (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0545010233

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Sunny school-yard action, frisky text and heaps of humorous details propel us through bliss, boastfulness, betrayal and back again in this spirited tale of friendship lost and found.

Other books mentioned:

• The Recess Queen

HOTLINE VOICES: An unidentified JOMB listener/author/illustrator recommends Kiss Good Night (by Amy Hest) and Dig Dig Digging (by Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe).

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave us a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

To those of you celebrating Yom Kippur, G’mar Chatimah Tovah.

Author: Linda Ashman (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Paul Meisel (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Sterling Publishing (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1402739877

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Unabashed autobiographical poems and hilariously expressive illustrations provide the observations and opinions of a straight-shooting canine in this irresistible pooch-hood memoir.

Other books mentioned:

• Oh, Theodore! (Guinea Pig Poems)

More canine poetry on JOMB:

• Good Dog
• Biscuits in the Cupboard
• The Hound from the Pound
• Poodlena
• Safe and Sound

Pop over to author amok for today’s full menu of poetry offerings. Poetry Fridays are brought to us by Kelly Herold of Big A, Little A.

HOTLINE VOICES: Hugh Fraser of the Storynory podcast shares his thoughts on The Barefoot Book of Knights (by John Matthews and Giovanni Manna). Thanks, Hugh!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave us a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

Author: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Published: 2008 Henry Holt (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0805081690

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Funky paint and collage artwork and breezy first person narrative provide an eye-opening peek at a young girl’s experience with amblyopia and strabismus in this upbeat tale of personality, patches, perspective and pride.

You can read more about eye patching treatments here and here.

Other books mentioned:

• Carmine: A Little More Red

Author: Sarah Ackerley (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Sarah Ackerley
Published: 2008 Blooming Tree Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1933831073

Amazon.com

Quiet absurdity and understated text relay the hilarious tale of a unique young penguin who swaps stigma for stupendous in this inspiring invitation to embrace our traits.

Podcasts mentioned:

• LD Podcast
• Stuttering is Cool

Authors: Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan
Illustrator: Cyd Moore (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Sleeping Bear Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1585363421

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Seething stringency and constant condemnation prove no match for good-natured self worth in this uplifting story of creativity, individuality and respect. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Other books mentioned:

• I Love You Stinky Face
• Cassandra’s Angel
• Free Play

More creativity on JOMB:

• Scribble
• A Bird About to Sing
• Emma’s Rug
• Go to Bed, Monster!
• The Puddle Pail
• Iggy Peck, Architect

More independent thinkers on JOMB:

• Odd Velvet
• Suki’s Kimono
• Ruby’s Wish
• Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick
• more here.

Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Published: 1991 Scholastic (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0590474235

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Spare, natural dialogue, carefully chosen details and keenly expressive illustrations keep us alternately giggling and cringing at the delicate shifts of sentiment from uncertainty and admiration through flattery, imitation, loss of self and then frustration in this celebration of selfhood found.

Other books mentioned:

• Suki’s Kimono

Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Published: 2007 Lee & Low Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1584302690 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

This riveting roller coaster of taunts, talent and tenterhooks relays a true story of suffering and success and invites us to examine the troubling shadow of racism and the resiliency of those who rise above it.

Check out the full list of non-fiction picture books nominated for the 2007 Cybils Awards here.

Author: Laura Nyman Montenegro
Illustrator: Laura Nyman Montenegro
Published: 2003 Houghton Mifflin (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0618188657 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Dancing, character-filled artwork in rich apricots and olives complements honest first-person expression to buoy us through the crests and troughs of a young artist’s big day in this inspiring story of confidence, creativity and acceptance.

Other books mentioned:

• A Poet’s Bird Garden
• Emily

The quote from Emily (Micahel Bedard and Barbara Cooney) referred to in this episode:

“What is poetry?” I asked.

… “Listen to Mother play. She practices and practices a piece, and sometimes a magic happens and it seems the music starts to breathe. It sends a shiver through you. You can’t explain it, really; it’s a mystery. Well, when words do that, we call it poetry.”

Author: Jim LaMarche (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Published: 2006 Chronicle Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0811844455 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Dreamy, maritime seascapes and homespun charm are brushed lightly with a glimmer of the extraordinary in this magical story of sibling belittling and the delight of possibilities.

Other books mentioned:

• Matilda

I know I'm going to sound like a curmudgeon, but at the risk of it, I'll tell you what's on my mind. I'm not sure why we need to have a Valentine's Day.  Say, what?  Yes, you read this correctly. While it's sweet and all that we have one day dedicated to acknowledge the love we have for the special person in our life, and vice versa, for some reason, it just seems so lame to me.  The fact we need

Author: Dorothy Joan Harris
Illustrator: Kim LaFave (on JOMB)
Published: 2004 Scholastic Canada (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0439937183 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Hazy, gold and red, retro artwork and snappy, all-too-familiar bickering make this simple yet surprisingly stirring tale of rivalry and resilience a memorable reminder of a decided route to happiness.

Other books mentioned:

• Suki’s Kimono

More Dogs on JOMB:

• Good Dog
• “Let’s Get a Pup!” said Kate
• The Pound from the Hound
• Poodlena
• The Trouble with Tilly Trumble
• The Outside Dog
• Dogs’ Night
• I Want A Dog

Author: Shirin Yim Bridges
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall (on JOMB)
Published: 2002 Chronicle Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0811834905 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

The hush of dependable peaches and greens gently gives way to a crescendo of red in this thoughtfully unfolding, true story of a young girl with a dream — and the patient, respectful cracking of cultural constraints that made her dream come true.

You can help make a dream come true today by joining the effort to provide schooling and stability for autistic children in China. To learn more click here.

Author: Lauren Thompson
Illustrator: James Estrin
Published: 2007 Feiwel & Friends (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0312370296 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Sixty photographs packed with joy, beauty and palpable excitement tell the inspiring, true story of five beautiful girls and the determination that made their dancing dreams come true.

More ballet on JOMB:

• Nutcracker Noel

Check out the full list of non-fiction picture books nominated for the 2007 Cybils Awards here.

It is Christmas Eve as I sit and write this. First let me wish everyone reading this, peace and prosperity from this day on. Now, let's get down to business. Gifts. We all want gifts. It's human nature. I love getting gifts, although, now that I am an adult, I get fewer than I'd like. Many of us enjoy giving gifts to others. There is a splendid kind of satisfaction in watching another person warm with delight over a specially chosen item that is picked just for them. But what about gifts to ourselves?

The writing industry has become a very large group of people networking and communicating, but remains a somewhat solitary life. I won't get into the whys of this; let's just say it is a creative trait. What I am getting to is your support of your self in your creative endeavors. Do you give yourself gifts? Well, why the heck not?

Below is my list of ten things you should consider giving yourself, whether it be for the holiday season, or just because you deserve them.

1. Solitude. Take 15 minutes every day to go off somewhere by yourself. No kids, no partners, no work, and no writing. Use this time to clear your head and revisit your positive affirmations. If you can take longer, then by all means do, but give yourself this gift above all others.

2. Space. Every writer should have a place to call their own. Whether it is a section of the kitchen separated by a Chinese screen, or a full office. Define this space to yourself and to everyone else. Then decorate it to your personality. Your muse will thank you, and your readers will thank you. A place to call your own allows the creative juices to flow freely and naturally.

3. Praise. Don't expect others to praise you. Do it yourself. If you write a great scene, take some time to enjoy it. Have a glass of wine or take yourself to lunch. It's okay--better than okay--to be proud of your efforts. We know they don’t always come easy, and they deserve to be celebrated.

4. Toys. Who doesn't like toys? Are you using a set of papers you printed off the computer as your special calendar? Throw them out…okay, read the rest of this section before you throw them out. Go out to the office supply store and buy yourself a nice daytime. I LOVE my Franklin Planner. Or by yourself a Palm, or a Blackberry, or whatever is in your budget. Or perhaps a new pen set…oooh. You get the point. This can benefit you two-fold. You get something nice for yourself (that is tax deductible) and it will help you get more organized. Any gift you buy yourself that is for your writing is a deduction. Two gifts in one! Make sure you put all those special dates and deadlines from the print out sheets into the new toy before tossing them.

5. Education. Have you seen a workshop on line you have been wanting to take, but are putting off because of finances? Bah! Just do it. Or had your eye on a local conference? Go for it! This is your career we are talking about. Education is also deductible and it is the best way to find new inspiration, rev up your muse, and hone your skills. Maybe a marketing seminar at your local college. I think this is an awesome gift to give yourself.

6. Health. You should concentrate on this gift everyday. Make sure you allow yourself time to get a good night sleep. Don't push yourself to exhaustion; you suffer in the long term. Make sure you are eating properly and getting optimum nutrition. A vitamin every day simply isn't enough. Take some time to learn more about diet and nutrition, even if you consider yourself healthy, prevention is an excellent gift.

7. Exercise. As writers we spend a lot of time sitting in our space. This leads to all kinds of spreading and aching. Take out that handy dandy day planner and schedule yourself 30 minutes of exercise time. I personally hate to exercise so I walk, I k now that is exercise, but it sure feels better than sit-ups. I head to the closest mall and walk it a couple times. This is good for your body, good for your heart, and good for your mind!

8. Fun. All work and no play…you know it. We all have deadlines, but we also have lives. Or at least we should. This particular gift is for you and your family. Make sure to gift yourself some time to enjoy those you love. Perhaps a game night with the family, or a date night with your partner. No talk of business or writing, just good old fun. Frisbee, or a movie, or just dinner out. This gift will boost your energy and rejuvenate your spirit.

9. Friends. One thing I have noticed about the writer's life is that the majority of people in our lives are other writers. This is great, writers are great people, but it's okay, and probably a good idea to have friends outside your writing network. People you can talk to about things other than writing. Why, you ask? Sanity. There is more to life than writing, and you deserve to experience. Perhaps a travel buddy, or someone you scrapbook, or hunt with (trying to be gender friendly, here). Don't let your writing control every aspect of your life.

10. Confidence. The most precious gift you can give yourself is this. Believe in yourself and all that you do. Leave the doubts and second-guessing in the donation bin down the road. Enjoy the fact that you are great at what you do, and that you have made the possible choice for you. You are a SUPERSTAR, and the sooner you embrace that with confidence, the sooner everyone else will see it in you!

Author: Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz
Illustrator: Marie Le Tourneau
Published: 2005 Tanglewood Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1933718056 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Collossal, consuming and yet so confoundedly intangible, that elusive gnawing that steals our peace of mind is given shaggy fur, a menacing grin and then several versions of “the boot” in this delightfully shadowy introduction to worries: what they are and how to send them packing.