Illustrated by Neal Stepp

THE REUNION

By Carolyn Prestwich

When a giraffe goes to a family reunion
he can see just fine
(without standing on his tiptoes)
and look down on all the festivities
because he is so tall.
And dinner is served up high in a tree.

A bear goes to a family reunion
in his great fur coat.
There are big bear hugs all around
and great grrrrowly greetings.
The bears dine on tossed leaf salad
With honey for dessert.

A porcupine at his family reunion
prefers to sit a little bit apart from his cousins
and other relations
with spaces in between
and to share squeals instead of hugs.

Fish like to hold their family reunions
down at the lake
or at the seashore.
They dine on worms and hold underwater races.
The octopuses form a big circle
And all hold hands and hands and hands.

If a snail went to a family reunion
he would probably arrive quite late.
He could follow the little silver trails
leading to the gathering place.
There would be slow pitch ball and lots of races
with prizes for the slowest one.

Carolyn Prestwich began writing children's stories when her first grandchild was born. Seven grandkids and many stories later, she enjoys sharing her efforts with young friends. Ideas come from observation and consideration of a specific child, and address an issue pertinent to him or her.

A weekend gathering inspired The Reunion, when five families came together for fun and celebration. Each family grouping brought its unique personality to the event. No two families were alike, each with its own special customs and celebrations, each wonderful and unique.

Carolyn writes in Saratoga, CA.

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