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Story Hour

Some people say parenting--and teaching--would best be defined as: "Listing the things you love, and handing these things down to a little person."

In that case, Joshua, may I recommend "The Scary Movie," by James Marshall?

You can tell from the title page that Marshall is particularly jazzed: The title has an exclamation point, and the movie in question features a hippo covered in a low-rent white "ghostie" bedsheet. Further delights await us.

Three acts:

Act One: George insists that nervous Martha attend a scary movie.
Act Two: Formerly-nervous Martha has a great time, while George grows progressively paler.
Act Three: George insists on holding Martha's hand, during the walk home, because "I don't want you to be afraid walking in the dark." Martha--fully aware of what is happening--simply, graciously, says, "Thank you."

Joshua, there isn't a great deal I know, but I do know that a three-act story, a sense of economy (starting in medias res), subtext (look at that "THANK YOU!"), and situational irony (the daredevil is a scaredy cat) ......all make for a fine story.

And I'll insist--and insist--and insist--on all of this, everyday, until I go to my grave.

And there you have it. Happy Reading.
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