Writing 101: Getting an Idea for a Children's Story

I guess you've noticed that children's books are often about everyday happenings. The Cat in the Hat is an exception that everyone loves. So are fairy tales involving fire-spitting dragons. But those types of stories are less common than the stories you find at garage sales.

Some writers say, "If I only had an idea." Then they go off without writing a story when they could easily generate an idea for a story if they just tried.

I was reading the newspaper classifieds a couple of hours ago. I was looking at the ads my competition were running to see if I couldn't get one-up on them by writing a better ad. I read about everything so I read the lost pet ads which had nothing to do with what I was doing.

As I looked at the ads for lost pets I could feel the pain the owner's were going through. I thought if there was only a Pet Detective to help them find their lost critters.

It immediately dawned on this old gray head that there was great story idea; A series of books for children staring the Pet Detective. I immediately sat down and wrote the following to show you how easy it is to write such a story.

Can you write a Pet Detective story right after you've read this story?

Give it a go!

Remember as you write that everything has to be made obvious to children.

Lost Pet Detective: The Firehouse Dalmatian

The Pet Detective read in the local paper that the firehouse Dalmatian in Clinton City had scampered away when the gas tank of Fred Smith's car exploded before the firemen could get the fire out.

The newspaper article said that Fred saw smoke from under his engine hood so he pulled off the farm road one mile east of town. He got out of the car and dialed 911 on his cell phone. While he was calling, the car burst into flames. He quickly told the 911 operator where the car was and then ran to the Barker farmhouse for help.

The farmer's wife, Sarah Barker, answered the door. When she saw the fire, she quickly helped Fred fill a couple of farm milking buckets with water. They saw that the fire truck was already coming from town, speeding down the road with the siren screaming. It kicked up a big cloud of dust that could be seen for at least a country mile.

Fred got to the car about the same time as the fire engine did. He realized that the water he was carrying had almost all spilled out as he ran to put out the fire. He threw what was left on the hood of the car.

George Spellman, the Fire Chief, grabbed Fred by the arm and said, "Get out of here, Fred. The gas tank might explode."

Ginger, the firehouse Dalmatian dog watched with interest from the top of the cab of the fire truck. That is where she always sat during a fire. She wanted to see what was going on.

The firemen pulled out the water hoses from the truck and sprayed water on the fire from a good distance. They were afraid that the gas tank would explode. At first, it looked like the fire was going out. That's when a great explosion roared forth knocking the firemen to the ground as well as Fred and the farmer's wife.

They were not hurt but they all watched Ginger, the firehouse Dalmatian, jump of the cab of the fire truck and run as fast as she could across the farmer's hay field.

According to the newspaper article, George Spellman, the fire chief, said, "Well, we'll see Ginger back at the firehouse."

Bill Flock, one of the volunteer firemen who had driven his pickup to the fire, said, "Well, we may not see her for a while. She's going the wrong way."

The article said that when the fireman got Fred's car cooled down enough to be safe they went back to the fire house. Fred's car was totally destroyed but the firemen knew that he would get a new car paid for by his insurance company. They were not worried about Fred but they were worried about Ginger. She was lost!

The newspaper article also said that later that evening while the firemen sat around the table in the Fire House kitchen eating sandwiches, the Chief said, "She'll be back! She is just scared." But she didn't come back that day or the next or the next.

The Pet Detective laid the newspaper down on the kitchen table and said to his wife, "Nancy, I'm driving over to Clinton this morning. Would you like to tag along?"

Nancy was towel drying a breakfast bowl that she had just washed. She said, "I would love to go but today is the church luncheon. Guess who is in charge? I know why you are going to Clinton. It's Ginger, isn't it? I would love to go but I guess you will have to find Ginger without my help. She probably ran back to the puppy farm."

The Pet Detective laughed. He said, "Well, I'll see you later!"

But he thought about what his wife said. He knew that Ginger was only about one year old. Instead of driving off to Clinton, he grabbed the telephone book. He looked under kennels until he found one that bred Dalmatians. There was such a kennel in Bradley City. He called over there and a lady answered the telephone. He said, "I'm looking for a lost Dalmatian. Have you got a stray over there?"

The lady said, "Yes, we have a Dalmatian about one year old that came here the other day. We couldn't tell from her markings who she is. I think she is one of our dogs or why else would she come here? We have been looking at our puppy photos but there are a lot to look at. We sell a lot of dogs."

The Pet Detective said, "So it is a bitch of the right age." Do you remember selling a dog to the Clinton fire house?" A bitch is a female dog. It is not a swearword when used properly.

The lady said, "We did sell a dog to a lady in Clinton early last year."

The Pet Detective said, "What was her name? Do you remember?"

The lady said, "Just a minute. I can look it up."

A minute later the lady came back on the telephone. She said, "We sold her to a lady by the name of Mary Spellman."

The Pet Detective said, "That is the Clinton Fire Chief's wife. Is the dog in good health?"

The lady said, "When she got in here she was exhausted and filthy dirty. We cleaned her up and fed her and she is just fine. I think she drank a gallon of water after she got here."

The Pet Detective said, "I'm coming over. I know who she belongs to. Will that be okay?"

The lady said that would be fine and hung up the telephone.

The Pet Detective took Ginger back to the firehouse and half the town showed up to see her. The Fire Chief thanked the Pet Detective and some of the guys got up a collection to pay for the gasoline that the Pet Detective had used to get Ginger and bring her home. The Pet Detective said that he did not want the money but Bill Flock, the volunteer firemen who had driven his pickup to the fire, said, "Take your wife out to dinner. That will make us happy and your wife happy too."

So that's what the Pet Detective did. They went to dinner two days later. Nancy said, "I guess that was some bit of detective work to get Ginger back."

He took a bite of cat fish and said to her, "Yes, it was. I had to use all of my detective skills."

Nancy spun a girl on her forehead with her finger. She said, "I can't imagine where you got the clue that solved the problem. You must have used all of your imagination."

The Pet Detective said, "I guess you saw today's paper. Did you go down to the newspaper office and get an early copy?"

She laughed and said, "I guess I did and I guess I know how you solved the case. You went right to the puppy farm. Now where did you get such an idea?"

They both laughed.

copyright©2006 John T. Jones, Ph.D.

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com), a retired college professor and business executive, Former editor of an international engineering magazine. To learn more about Wealthy Affiliate University go to his info site. If you desire a flagpole to Fly Old Glory, go to the business site.

More info: http://www.InternetBusinessToolCenter.com

Business web site: http://www.AAAFlagpoles.com

The Essential Role of Pet Keeping for Children's Healthy Development

Whether you decide before or after you have children to bring a pet into your lives, it is important to consider the effects it will have on children's healthy development throughout their early years. The essential role of pet keeping for children's healthy development is a topic all too often overlooked. Children's healthy development depends on the way you introduce a pet and the care you give a pet while your kids are in the vital stages of development.

Before you choose a new pet to bring home to the family, there are many important factors in picking the right one! Deciding what type of animal you want is the first step. The best pets for families are typically cats and dogs; they have stable lives and can easily become a part of a family, aiding in children's healthy development. Most families will thrive more efficiently if they avoid choosing exotic pets such as spiders and snakes as they can become frightening for younger children, and the novelty often wears off.

When you bring home a new pet, you should always train them in obedience and respect. In doing so, children will development a sense of responsibility, even if they are not the ones directly responsible for the pet's care. You must enforce the rules that you set for your new pet so that children will develop a healthy yearning to guide their pet in the right direction. Pet's can be a great part of a family and bring new light and enjoyment to a home. Many children find that pet's are great companions long before they can realize what a friend truly is. Keeping a pet will not only teach your child respect and responsibility, but also what a loving and kind relationship is.

Many parents focus in on the way their children development from the day they are conceived. Whether you have a cat or a dog there are important things to focus on as well. Initially, many children may not be prepared for the arrival of a pet. It is equally challenging for a child to deal with the death of their pet. It can be a difficult time, but many children have their first understanding of life and death through their pets. To be sure that your children will be able to handle what can be a significantly trying time in their life, you should keep your pet's memory alive even after they pass. Find a memorial pet urn to keep your cats remains in and a special dog urn to lovingly respect your pooch and let their memory live on forever. Doing so can greatly help your child deal with the loss of a pet.

Natalie Aranda writes about pets and family. It is equally challenging for a child to deal with the death of their pet. It can be a difficult time, but many children have their first understanding of life and death through their pets. To be sure that your children will be able to handle what can be a significantly trying time in their life, you should keep your pet?s memory alive even after they pass. Find a memorial pet urn to keep your cats remains in and a special dog urn to lovingly respect your pooch and let their memory live on forever. Doing so can greatly help your child deal with the loss of a pet.

Why Pet-keeping is Essential for Children's Healthy Development

As families decrease in size and we become increasingly urbanised the need to keep pets at home becomes more important for children's healthy development.

Most kids at stage will ask - no, nag - for a pet of some type. Gold fish, guinea pigs, pet mice and rabbits are generally on city-dwelling children's want lists for pets at some stage. The more conventional cats and dogs compete with more exotic species such as tortoises, snakes and parrots for kid's attention in the large animal stakes.

The lure of pets for kids was demonstrated some years ago at the height of the electronic pet phase. Kids across the world were glued to their handheld monitors feeding, walking and caring for their electronic pets.

As it turned out electronic pets were no substitute for the real things and the phase thankfully has passed.

Pets contribute in four ways to children's healthy development:

1. They teach children to take responsibility for something other themselves. Some pets are easier to care for than others but most have

to be cared for, protected and fed on a regular basis. It is the

regularity of caring for pets that is the greatest lesson for kids.

Parents may give children chores and it may not matter much to children

if they are not done. But the consequences of not caring for a pet are

generally very real for children. Fail to feed a small animal and it may

die. Forget to close the cage on the chicken pen and the dog may have an

unexpected feast. These are real responsibilities that teach real life

lessons to kids.

2. It is inevitable that at some stage pets will die. It is tough but

that is life. Animals teach kids about the cycle of life. Dogs moult,

lizards shed their skins and the call of the wild is just too great for

some species in spring. The nature's cycles become real when you have

pets

3. Pets teach kids to be empathetic. When children care for their pets

they become protective and look out for their welfare. They empathise

with their pets if they are cold, hungry or it is stormy outside. Kids

will often want the dog to sleep inside when it is cold or the cat to

come in from the rain. They often blur the line between animal and human

but at least they are emphasising with their pets - and putting

themselves in their situation. My point - empathy is a brilliant life

skill. Empathetic kids never bully and empathetic adults are brilliant

to be around. They make great partners, workmates and bosses. These

characteristics need to be nurtured in childhood and owning pets can

allow for this.

4. Youngest and only child are usually surrounded in their families by

people who are bigger and more capable than them. The opportunity to

care for a pet puts them in control and allows them to care for

something just as their parents have cared for them.

The type of pets that kids have will depend on their age, your

circumstances and their wants. From my own experience it is necessary to

instil in kids the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. Kids

will often see an animal in a pet store or at a friend's house and

immediately want it. It's a parent's job to remind children that pets

are for LIFE (of the animal) and that the fun of having a pet is

balanced by the responsibility of looking after it.

Pet ownership is a two -edged sword. But so is life. That's why kids

should keep pets.

Michael Grose is a popular parenting educator and parent coach. He is the director of Parent Coaching Australia, the author of six books for parents and a popular presenter who speaks to audiences in Australian Singapore and the USA. For free courses and resources to help you raise happy kids and resilient teenagers visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au

Pillow Pets Children's Toy

There's a brand new product created specially for kids and they are named Pillow Pets. These posh pillows are a hybrid of a pillow and a cute stuffed animal. They are available in a various designs so that every youngster could discover the one this is perfect for themselves.

The Pillow Pet toys seem like a compressed stuffed animal that is similar to a pillow but they could be folded up into a stuffed animal. They can be used as a children's toy, for bedding or fluffy friend. Made out of chenille, the ultra softness cause them to be perfect at delivering comfort whether they are used for a snuggly friend or a pillow.

These lovable stuffed animals fold out level similar to a cushion. If you want to fold them back up into a stuffed animal it's straightforward. All you have to do is fold the Pillow Pet in half and connect the Velcro strap which is on the bottom. This instantaneously transforms the pillow back into a pet. To allow it to be a pillow again simply undo the Velcro strap.

In case you doubt why your son or daughter would love Pillow Pets then speculate no more. These cute little friends are excellent companions to have on long trips in the vehicle and also in an airplane. They're wonderful for sleepovers and many other occasions which your kids might be in need of just a little extra security in order to keep them feeling positive regardless that they may be away from their house.

These stuffed animals are created for plenty of use without wearing out. They are machine washable so that you won't have to worry about putting them in a pillow case when your children uses them over and over again for bed time. Nor do you have to be concerned about they will get them dirty carrying them all over the place too many times. All you will have to do is put the pet inside the washing machine and they will probably be just like new once they are dried.

Pillow Pets are available in a variety of numerous animals. This include a cuddly pony, turtles, lady bugs, animals from the jungle and plenty more. With so many unique ones which are available, odds are that there exists one your son or daughter will like.

So, where could you buy them? That is easy, Pillow Pets can be purchased on the web as well as in retailers. For anyone who is looking for the complete list of designs that are available, you ought to take a look at the main Pillow Pet website. Many retail stores hold a decent collection as well.

Seeing that Pillow Pets are amongst the year's hottest Christmas present for kids, parents ought to get them early in order to avoid their kids from being disappointed.

Find out about about the Pillow Pets stuffed animals and other great As Seen On TV products and offers.

Pillow Pets Children's Toy

There's a brand new product created specially for kids and they are named Pillow Pets. These posh pillows are a hybrid of a pillow and a cute stuffed animal. They are available in a various designs so that every youngster could discover the one this is perfect for themselves.

The Pillow Pet toys seem like a compressed stuffed animal that is similar to a pillow but they could be folded up into a stuffed animal. They can be used as a children's toy, for bedding or fluffy friend. Made out of chenille, the ultra softness cause them to be perfect at delivering comfort whether they are used for a snuggly friend or a pillow.

These lovable stuffed animals fold out level similar to a cushion. If you want to fold them back up into a stuffed animal it's straightforward. All you have to do is fold the Pillow Pet in half and connect the Velcro strap which is on the bottom. This instantaneously transforms the pillow back into a pet. To allow it to be a pillow again simply undo the Velcro strap.

In case you doubt why your son or daughter would love Pillow Pets then speculate no more. These cute little friends are excellent companions to have on long trips in the vehicle and also in an airplane. They're wonderful for sleepovers and many other occasions which your kids might be in need of just a little extra security in order to keep them feeling positive regardless that they may be away from their house.

These stuffed animals are created for plenty of use without wearing out. They are machine washable so that you won't have to worry about putting them in a pillow case when your children uses them over and over again for bed time. Nor do you have to be concerned about they will get them dirty carrying them all over the place too many times. All you will have to do is put the pet inside the washing machine and they will probably be just like new once they are dried.

Pillow Pets are available in a variety of numerous animals. This include a cuddly pony, turtles, lady bugs, animals from the jungle and plenty more. With so many unique ones which are available, odds are that there exists one your son or daughter will like.

So, where could you buy them? That is easy, Pillow Pets can be purchased on the web as well as in retailers. For anyone who is looking for the complete list of designs that are available, you ought to take a look at the main Pillow Pet website. Many retail stores hold a decent collection as well.

Seeing that Pillow Pets are amongst the year's hottest Christmas present for kids, parents ought to get them early in order to avoid their kids from being disappointed.

Find out about about the Pillow Pets stuffed animals and other great As Seen On TV products and offers.

Why Pet-keeping is Essential for Children's Healthy Development

As families decrease in size and we become increasingly urbanised the need to keep pets at home becomes more important for children's healthy development.

Most kids at stage will ask - no, nag - for a pet of some type. Gold fish, guinea pigs, pet mice and rabbits are generally on city-dwelling children's want lists for pets at some stage. The more conventional cats and dogs compete with more exotic species such as tortoises, snakes and parrots for kid's attention in the large animal stakes.

The lure of pets for kids was demonstrated some years ago at the height of the electronic pet phase. Kids across the world were glued to their handheld monitors feeding, walking and caring for their electronic pets.

As it turned out electronic pets were no substitute for the real things and the phase thankfully has passed.

Pets contribute in four ways to children's healthy development:

1. They teach children to take responsibility for something other themselves. Some pets are easier to care for than others but most have

to be cared for, protected and fed on a regular basis. It is the

regularity of caring for pets that is the greatest lesson for kids.

Parents may give children chores and it may not matter much to children

if they are not done. But the consequences of not caring for a pet are

generally very real for children. Fail to feed a small animal and it may

die. Forget to close the cage on the chicken pen and the dog may have an

unexpected feast. These are real responsibilities that teach real life

lessons to kids.

2. It is inevitable that at some stage pets will die. It is tough but

that is life. Animals teach kids about the cycle of life. Dogs moult,

lizards shed their skins and the call of the wild is just too great for

some species in spring. The nature's cycles become real when you have

pets

3. Pets teach kids to be empathetic. When children care for their pets

they become protective and look out for their welfare. They empathise

with their pets if they are cold, hungry or it is stormy outside. Kids

will often want the dog to sleep inside when it is cold or the cat to

come in from the rain. They often blur the line between animal and human

but at least they are emphasising with their pets - and putting

themselves in their situation. My point - empathy is a brilliant life

skill. Empathetic kids never bully and empathetic adults are brilliant

to be around. They make great partners, workmates and bosses. These

characteristics need to be nurtured in childhood and owning pets can

allow for this.

4. Youngest and only child are usually surrounded in their families by

people who are bigger and more capable than them. The opportunity to

care for a pet puts them in control and allows them to care for

something just as their parents have cared for them.

The type of pets that kids have will depend on their age, your

circumstances and their wants. From my own experience it is necessary to

instil in kids the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. Kids

will often see an animal in a pet store or at a friend's house and

immediately want it. It's a parent's job to remind children that pets

are for LIFE (of the animal) and that the fun of having a pet is

balanced by the responsibility of looking after it.

Pet ownership is a two -edged sword. But so is life. That's why kids

should keep pets.

Michael Grose is a popular parenting educator and parent coach. He is the director of Parent Coaching Australia, the author of six books for parents and a popular presenter who speaks to audiences in Australian Singapore and the USA. For free courses and resources to help you raise happy kids and resilient teenagers visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au

The Essential Role of Pet Keeping for Children's Healthy Development

Whether you decide before or after you have children to bring a pet into your lives, it is important to consider the effects it will have on children's healthy development throughout their early years. The essential role of pet keeping for children's healthy development is a topic all too often overlooked. Children's healthy development depends on the way you introduce a pet and the care you give a pet while your kids are in the vital stages of development.

Before you choose a new pet to bring home to the family, there are many important factors in picking the right one! Deciding what type of animal you want is the first step. The best pets for families are typically cats and dogs; they have stable lives and can easily become a part of a family, aiding in children's healthy development. Most families will thrive more efficiently if they avoid choosing exotic pets such as spiders and snakes as they can become frightening for younger children, and the novelty often wears off.

When you bring home a new pet, you should always train them in obedience and respect. In doing so, children will development a sense of responsibility, even if they are not the ones directly responsible for the pet's care. You must enforce the rules that you set for your new pet so that children will develop a healthy yearning to guide their pet in the right direction. Pet's can be a great part of a family and bring new light and enjoyment to a home. Many children find that pet's are great companions long before they can realize what a friend truly is. Keeping a pet will not only teach your child respect and responsibility, but also what a loving and kind relationship is.

Many parents focus in on the way their children development from the day they are conceived. Whether you have a cat or a dog there are important things to focus on as well. Initially, many children may not be prepared for the arrival of a pet. It is equally challenging for a child to deal with the death of their pet. It can be a difficult time, but many children have their first understanding of life and death through their pets. To be sure that your children will be able to handle what can be a significantly trying time in their life, you should keep your pet's memory alive even after they pass. Find a memorial pet urn to keep your cats remains in and a special dog urn to lovingly respect your pooch and let their memory live on forever. Doing so can greatly help your child deal with the loss of a pet.

Natalie Aranda writes about pets and family. It is equally challenging for a child to deal with the death of their pet. It can be a difficult time, but many children have their first understanding of life and death through their pets. To be sure that your children will be able to handle what can be a significantly trying time in their life, you should keep your pet?s memory alive even after they pass. Find a memorial pet urn to keep your cats remains in and a special dog urn to lovingly respect your pooch and let their memory live on forever. Doing so can greatly help your child deal with the loss of a pet.