Tail of a Squirrel and Other Tales: Stories for Children

The title of Sheila Cardano's book "Tail of a Squirrel and other Tales," alludes to the first story about a rather conceited squirrel called Spencer, who had a rapid rise to fame and an even swifter fall to shame He learned his lesson, however, due to the intervention of a wise owl, Willowby, who fixed his injury by means of weird concoctions. All the stories are full of action and color, they are peopled by various imaginary beings - animals, children, elves, fairies and personified trees They seem to be created for animated cartoons. Many of these tales have been dramatized by the author who is also a playwright, and performed by children in theatres, schools and churches. Noah's Ark was a great success, about eighty children played parts. "The Ears of Flop," "The Naughty Elf have all had their taste of stardom delighting children both performers and audience. "Legend of a Tree" with its moments of pathos has been mimed with dance, narrator and music. "Rosaleen" is the core of a full length fantasy play called "Magia" (magic) which was the first production of the Arts Enter Cape Charles at the Historic Palace Theatre on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It was a clamorous success. The author is considering a similar transformation of "Peggoty Jane." Children love to become talking animals, princes and princesses, fairies and even animated clouds. The book is fully illustrated in brightly colored child like pictures designed for the joy and understanding of little ones of all ages everywhere.