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Susie Diary





Today, my daughter will dress as a beloved literary character--for "Literacy Week." Our choice is a rabbit, from "The Bunny Rabbit Show."


The writer Sandra Boynton has limitless (truly limitless) ideas, and I am certain that, one day, she was thinking about the syllable count in the title, "Howdy Doody Show." And she switched in: "Bunny Rabbit Show." And this became a book.

The rabbits in Boynton's story "perform" for rows of pigs and cows. The rabbits hop in a row, pop out of boxes in obscure corners... They dance and sing. Finally, they form a "tree," as if they were cheerleaders. This is the entire book.

Susie's weary principal sent a sternly worded note: "We know that many children love superheroes, and superheroes sometimes appear in books. But please try to remember the *spirit* of this parade. We would rather not see a Spiderman. We would rather steer clear of Superman. I'm happy to discuss this matter with you...."

It's said that, "by your pupils," you'll be taught--and I'm proud to concede that Susie has pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Today, for the first time, I'll experiment with face paint.

To Sandra Boynton--now and forever--one of the all-time greats.
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