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  • Daingerfield Bee

    Friendships Shine Bright in Stories

    By Pam Kumpe,

    2024-03-21

    Once upon a sunny morning, not so far back, in the land of letters and storytelling, in my writing office at home, a peculiar idea sprouted in the corner of my mind. It was a tale that needed to be told, filled with clucking laughter, brimming with joy, and interwoven with the golden threads of friendship. It’s the children’s story of ‘Cranky the Camel and Barnyard’s Got Talent.’

    Creating a children’s book is not unlike planting a garden. Each character is a seed that, when nurtured with love and care, grows into a story that can shade, shelter, and feed the imagination of our little ones. And just like any flourishing garden, something I witnessed with my father in his life, the essence of this growth often lies in companionship—plants side by side, helping each other reach for the sun. That is precisely what the story of Cranky and the farm animals aims for, and it becomes a testament to the power and beauty of friendship.

    The adventure begins with Cranky, a camel with a heart as big as his humps yet with a talent as elusive as a desert mirage. Enter Max, a dog whose zeal for life is as contagious as his love for music. He’s a pint-sized fourlegged friend with a cello and a dream. When they cross paths, it’s a symphony of the unexpected, a melody of two unlikely friends setting the stage on a farm that resembles a carnival of animal antics.

    Together, they discovered what Cranky can contribute to the annual farm talent show. It’s not just a quest to find a hidden talent but a journey that unravels what makes us unique and how we complement each other. Through their eyes, we see that friendship isn’t just about the good times; it’s about encouraging each other to try, be daring, and find the music in the strangest moments.

    Cranky’s quest and Max’s unwavering support remind us of the power of believing in someone else—and ourselves. It’s a message I hope to sprinkle throughout my writing, like sunflower seeds in an open field. These characters, with their quirks and bumbles, are my letters in a love note to every child who ever doubted their sparkle, to every adult who needs a reminder of their shine.

    With every flip of the page, I aimed for giggles and gasps, wide eyes, and the irresistible urge to share what comes next. This story isn’t just to be read; it’s to be experienced, a shared adventure between reader and listener, just as friendship is a shared journey through life.

    As I pieced together this world of frolic and friendship, of trials and triumphs, I learned from Cranky and Max. They showed me that to write for children is to dive into a river of pure possibility. You come out soaked with the truth that the most straightforward tales often carry the heaviest truths.

    By the end, as Cranky finds his place not just on the farm but among the stars, and as Max’s melodies find a rhythm in Cranky’s steps, they reveal that our talents shine brightest when given away. And just as they come together harmoniously, this story reminds us how important friends are to our lives.

    So, dear readers, keep watch; the third Cranky, the Camel book is coming soon. In the meantime, let’s be friends who lift each other, nurture hidden talents, and laugh heartily when the trophy gets chewed up by an overzealous pig. In this sprawling field of life, friendship is the most authentic talent, the finest art, and beautiful music. And within it, we find our story, laughter, and place among the stars.

    Remember, Proverbs 17 tells us a friend loves at all times, and Cranky, the camel, will see this firsthand on the farm in the third book of the Cranky, the camel series!

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