So instead, I made you this story. I hope you like it.
This is my mom's cat, Charley.
This is my dad's dog, Leo.
These are Leo's paws.
They are tender and sensitive.
They are Leo's Only Possessions.
And they are Private.
When everyone else is just going to bed,
Charley is just beginning his day.
Charley is just beginning his day.
He runs. He jumps. He slides.
He does so many things,
and he gets very, very hungry.
He barrels down the basement steps,
and checks his bowl.
and he gets very, very hungry.
He barrels down the basement steps,
and checks his bowl.
No Crunchies.
Charley meows. His meow is a small sound, which surprises him, because he is a big cat. He tries again. But his meow is just a speck, a nothing... a tiny complaint in the great, vast night. Charley knows what to do. He charges up the steps. He zooms along the runner rug into the living room. At the end of the rug is...
Leo. His snores go in and out, and his paws quiver.
Charley taps Leo's paw, but Leo is sleeping so soundly, his paw does not notice. Charley tries again, with extra umph.
Leo's head flies up, his ears flap airborne, and a Great Big Bark escapes his jowls. His bark is loud and round and resonant. Charley presses Leo's paw like a button, and each tap is followed by a large, echoing bark.
Between barks, Charley hears something else, through the ceiling above him. It is two bare feet hitting the floor, then the soft scrape of slippers on wood. This is the happy sound of success: someone is coming to top off the crunchies!
While Charley races back to his empty bowl to wait, Leo heaves the sigh of a still-very-sleepy Labrador. His head hits the rug with a weighty flop.
All's well that ends well! (The end.)
12 comments:
I've been waiting for a new blog post but could not have imagined a more delightful one! Thank you for translating the stories of our furry friends, it makes getting up in the middle of the night to top off the crunchie bowl almost bearable. Happy New Year!
Seeing this delightful story almost makes living in the same house with Charley & Leo worth it. Love the sketchy drawings!
Gosh - I just loved this sweet story! Pets do seem to build their own relationships within the family unit. We become mere pawns to their desire for kitty crack and sleeping spaces!
Love it! Having a dog and cat myself, I know what this is like! Your drawings are wonderful!
I love the story and your wonderful sketches. You've captured these 2 perfectly!
Mom says it's a story about Charley, but I say it's a story about Leo.
ah! go glad you all liked it:) thanks.
It's a book, Zoe, and you know it! I love all your drawings, but these sketchy ones capture the movement of the animals wonderfully and I think may be more accessible for kids. You mark my words, it's a book.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but. . . Move over, Otto. You've got some serious competition out there. ;)
This darling story just made my day. Thank you so much. I love how he pushed Leo's paw like a button. I love your amazing talents, Zoe!
Thank you Zoe, for this shot of delight on a dark January day. LOVE the drawings, & being reminded of the sweet Leo & charismatic Charlie P. Kathleen
Zoe....This IS a book!
It is fabulous!
I want to read it to all of my students tomorrow!
Sarah Haus
Charlie using Leo as a catering call button...I love it. Definitely a children's book!
Post a Comment