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20.1.22

LUCY'S BIRTHDAY

 LUCY’S BIRTHDAY


The little girl next door was often home alone, and Mabel’s tentative offer of after-school tea and biscuits grew into friendship.

“I’ll be eight next week,” Lucy announced one day.

Mabel smiled. “What present would you like?”

Lucy grimaced. “Nothing – Mum would be cross.”

Mabel sympathised – the poorer you were, the more pride mattered.

 On Lucy’s birthday Mabel baked a cake – her mother couldn’t object to that – and gave Lucy a small envelope.

“A credit card?” Lucy gasped.

“No – something much better,” said Mabel, “a library card. We can read books together.”

A gift for both of them.

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I was thrilled that my granddaughter asked for books last week for her 7th birthday - perhaps she'll read the books I wrote with my older grandchildren in mind! And my son's friend's library in Canada actually offers a birthday party service - an excellent way to draw children into reading.

Thanks to Ted Strutz for the photo prompt, and to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog.  https://rochellewisoff.com/


26 comments:

  1. What better gift, both for Lucy and your granddaughter, than books? Nice read.

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    1. My granddaughter wanted the complete set of Agatha Fang books - and no, I haven't read them yet!

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  2. Replies
    1. Which reminds me I must start using my library card again :)

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  3. Very sweet, and the perfect gift.

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    1. A whole library of books, no cost, and no embarrassed mum - as you say, perfect!

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  4. Oh, that is perfect. Wonderful story, Liz.

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  5. Oh I love everything about this, Liz!

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    1. I wonder if it's actually possible to gift a library membership?

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  6. Dear Liz,

    Such a sweet story. Love it.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  7. A thoughtful and lasting gift. Sweet story ... Have a wonderful weekend
    Isadora ��

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  8. how wonderful! simply the best gift under the circumstances. :)

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    1. I'm sure they'll have years of enjoyment from it.

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  9. This is such a heartwarming and lovely story. What a wonderful gift to give.

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  10. I love this! Very sweet story. :)

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  11. Such a warm story. And a birthday party in the library - brilliant idea!

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    1. I thought so too when I heard about it!

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  12. Thank goodness the child has a kind and wise neighbor to watch over her. I enjoyed your story very much.

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    Replies
    1. The child is lucky - and the neighbour!

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