Eight Rhymes without Reasons! Four Stories for the Seasons!

The first part of this book includes eight short, fantasy vignettes written in rhyme, whose main "actors" are a variety of animal characters: a rabbit; a cat; a goose and a moose; an owl; a skunk; a beaver and a groundhog; a pigeon as well as a plant character named Willy the Wonderful Willow. Themes are set in current times. In various presentations by the author, these pieces have been described as "sweet and endearing," "positive and delightful," "lovely, clever and very readable," and "well-crafted." Because of their warm reception, the author was encouraged to place them on a platform available to a wider range of readers. The second part of the book contains four stories: one about a flying purple pig; another about a harp that talks as well as plays music; a third about a magical Christmas pony; and the last about a crab with a friendly and philosophical attitude. Characters include adults as well as children whose ages range from a very mature five year old to a thirteen year old. Though written for middle school children, all ages seem to enjoy them. These are for the young as well as the young at heart. They have found warm acceptance by adults who feel that they are a respite from the harsh times of modern life.

In the first part of this book, there are eight short, fantasy vignettes written in rhyme, whose main "actors" are a variety of animal characters: a rabbit; a cat; a goose and a moose; an owl; a skunk; a beaver and a groundhog; a pigeon as well as a plant character named Willy the Wonderful Willow. Themes are set in current times. These rhymed stories celebrate friendship, love, good will and some adventure. The main character (or characters) faces a challenge that they meet with determination whether it is a stolen Easter; lights-out at Halloween; saving a friend from being late for an important appointment; or ripped from their garden home. The stories present a feel-good atmosphere to the reader without being goody-goody or sugary. In various presentations by the author, these pieces have been described as: "sweet and endearing," "positive and delightful," "lovely, clever and very readable," and "well-crafted." Because of their warm reception, the author was encouraged to place them on a platform available to a wider range of readers. The second part of the book contains four stories: one about a flying purple pig; another about a harp that talks as well as plays music; a third about a magical Christmas pony; and the last about a crab with a friendly and philosophical attitude. Along with the main character whether pig, harp, pony or crab there are young persons as well as adults involved in the story. These young persons are between the ages of five to thirteen. Each story has some adventure and even a little mystery but again they celebrate friendship, love, and good will. Though written for middle school children, all ages seem to enjoy them. These stories as well as the rhymes in the first part of the book are for the young as well as the young at heart. They have found warm acceptance by many adults who feel that they are a respite from the harsh times of modern life.

Susan Anthony-Tolbert, Professor Emeritus, is a native of Scranton, Pa. She received her doctorate in Social Psychology from Temple University and served as a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Undergraduate Psychology Program during a tenure of thirty years at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She has numerous publications in psychology journals as well as having authored textbooks in personality, social psychology, cross-cultural psychology and observational methods. She has worked in clinical and rehab settings as a psychologist. Music has always played an important part in her life. Currently, she is a free-lance harpist and marimbaist with CDs selling both locally and nationally. As a lifelong equine enthusiast, Susan continues to pursue equestrian activities on her horse, News Flash. She lives with her husband, Dorian, and their beloved cats at their Dun-it Farm. Her books on historical events and topics include: Until the Guns Went Silent; A Quiet Glory: The Life and Times of Dr. James Skelton Gilliam of Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Virginia; The Home Front: Northumberland County, Virginia in World War II; Menominee, Lost Lights! The Sinking of the Unarmed Tug and Its Barges off the Virginia Coast in World War II." Susan has written several articles for the Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society and serves on the Board of that Society. Susan's other historical books are: Lucy Long, Robert E. Lee's Other Warhorse: The Mare with Mysteries; Barge Dog: Virginia Coast, 1942; Horse of the Sand Pounder: East Coast, World War II; The Ditch of the Bells, World War I: The Story of Red Cross Nurse, Bessie W. Omohundro, from Northumberland County, Virginia; and Adrienne, La Fayette's Sweet Fire. In addition to several children's books, Susan's novels include: When the Red Jacket Sings, a mystery involving musicians and missing persons as well as a Basset hound, named Sophie; Harmonic, a love story also set in the world of classical music; A Modern American Christmas; The Lynx and the Lioness: When a Sibling Kills; The Sweet Man in the Woods; Woman to Woman! Two Novellas of Friends and Enemies; Signs, Sounds, Silences and Secrets and "Tin Noses, Tim Roses: Love Stories from World War One."