Fred the Beavercorn

SPOILER ALERT: This book aims to convince youngsters to try hard in school.

STORYLINE

Fred the Beavercorn is the product of a "blended" family: a beaver mother and a unicorn father. In addition to the obvious physical differences, Fred's parents have wildly different views of life. Mama Beaver is a typical "busy beaver," always working hard to provide for her family. On the other hand, Papa Unicorn is a free spirit who follows his dreams and resolutely pursues what he loves. Fred eventually comes to appreciate the attributes of both parents and decides that he should work hard in school so that he can qualify for a job: (1) that provides for his family; and (2) that he loves.

The fable-like tale ends with a stunningly obvious explanation for a natural phenomenon -- the origin of narwhals.

MESSAGE OF THE BOOK

A good education is important if we wish to provide for our families and find jobs that we love.

Also woven into the story is a message regarding "integrity" for the more mature readers to ponder.

DESIGNED AS A LAP BOOK

The book was designed to be read to youngsters, starting at age two or three. The primary message -- about the importance of education -- is universally welcome, and the secondary message serves to add interest for older readers. By the time the kids have reached seven years, they will be reading it by themselves, though some of the language and concepts will continue to provide some useful challenges.

If parents share only one lap book with their kids, then Fred the Beavercorn should be that book

About the Author
Kirschbaum, Gene: - Gene Kirschbaum grew up in Beaver Dam, which for years was known by its welcoming sign: "The Home of 14,000 Busy Beavers." After high school, Gene climbed telephone poles, worked for a crop duster, sailed aboard an ocean-going high school, flew on F-111's, and served as an Air Force JAG. Retiring back to Beaver Dam, Gene still does a little legal work, writes a column for LocaLeben Magazine (Stump the Beaver) and he puts clothes on a wooden beaver almost every Sunday morning. One day, while he was dressing up the Beav, a flashy lady with long blonde hair in a VW convertible enquired: "Hey, when you were a little boy, did you play with dolls?" Gene is still trying to think of a more appropriate response than the one he uttered that Sabbath morning.Dittmann, Karyssa: - Karyssa Dittmann is a native of Beaver Dam, returning to the community after attending college to teach special education. When she's not in the classroom, her time is filled with yoga, traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, and of course, drawing and sketching. Karyssa and her husband Erik live in their self-renovated home with their two dogs, Sir Norris and Lady Winnifred.