Books by Barbara A Cefalu

The boss, (oh, I work at The Opinionated Daily News, just call me George)...ah... stuck... uh....assigned... me to interview turtles, terrapins, and tortoises at La Cite` du Tortoises, which is located in Pennsylvania. The boss ordered a series of articles on how these creatures lived so I managed to get several life stories from them, and I can't stress enough, these turtles are peculiar! Sam and his friends get themselves into some weird situations. Like shopkeeper Walter Wall, who made a grab for a bug, over reached himself and slud (not MY word) into the crik (Pennsylvania Dutch for creek), and floated unwillingly and unhappily down the crik, eventually ending belly up in Johnstown. Through a series of rescues he finally arrived home... which annoyed some "friends". When the turtles were being collected by bad men, Alice, the snapping turtle, joined the resistance and fortunately, all were saved. Jock, the Lock-box turtle has an amazing ability to literally close up shop and completely hide himself in his house, (his secret- hinges on the bottom shell); he and his buddy, tiny Bog turtle, Herkimer, joined in feasting in farmer John's garden, (they called it borrowing), happily gobbling up his delectable produce, and sometimes joined the group which meets in La Tortoise Bar and Grill most evenings. Due to the turtle's misuse, abuse, and mangling of the good King's English, I have translated and transcribed these articles and have sent them to the paper. Believe me: I am NOT responsible for the results. Groan. Their instructions: all visitors should bring carrots!

Has the world lost its sense of humor? Let's hope not for inside this little book of poetry are niggles focused on people, places and things. Of course, some things are to be considered seriously, such as the poem warning of the perils which might occur from NOT drinking coffee. But mainly the poems are to be taken with a wink and a slight elbow jab to the ribs. Please remember this is a book of fiction-and these are not shots aimed at any particular person. As that great seer, Edgar Cayce said, "It's as much a sin to take offence as it is to give offence." All things considered, it's simply the author's fevered imagination running amuck.

Who could ever imagine that a huge, colorful balloon floating above the town of Katville would bring such menace and terror to the inhabitants?The balloon first appeared one balmy spring day, lazily drifting in the pale blue sky, and rumors had it that there would be rides available. That was exciting news.Cousin Fred, visiting Patty-Cat and Kittle on spring break, and several of their friends, all gathered in Susie''s beautiful backyard and talked about coming plans and projects. Billy-Bom-Tom came home to sing in a concert, Al had a solo, Fred was in the orchestra, and everyone was looking forward to the concert.Some kittens were first missed at the bat-ball team practice. When it was discovered that they, along with others, were nowhere to be found, the big search began. It was fortunate that a friend, Mrs. Mockingbird, overheard the plot and was able to warn the townspeople and further, to enlist many birds and animals of the forest to also come to their aid.But, part of the news that Mrs. Mockingbird told them concerned the goblins joining the catnappers . Those awful, misbehaving folk would be hard to deal with.With Mr. Tom-Cat''s organizing ability, Captain Dom-Cat''s battle experience, and helpful birds, animals, and fairies, it would be quite a battle..Won''t you join us and hear all about the evil catnappers and the great battle in Grants Wood?It''s all in the book.

Who hasn't dreamed of a fabulous magic flying carpet taking us on journeys in which our every wish comes true? Kittle certainly thought she had found her own magic carpet when Professor Digger talked about Ancient Egypt and said he would take her there. He claimed he had found a portal and through a series of dials and levers, it would transport anyone to anywhere. Kittle insisted Patty-Cat come with her, but Patty-Cat refused. She had entered a baking contest and wouldn't even discuss using a portal which might not even exist.When Kittle says she is going alone, Patty-Cat tells her mother, Angel, who calls her good friend, Mr. Tom-Cat. He agrees to investigate Professor Digger.At the bake-off, Little Minikin, who is psychic, the adopted kitten of the neighbors next door, whispers to Kittle that if she goes with the professor she won't come home again.Meanwhile, many residents of Katville have been invited to a fabulous dinner and scavenger hunt by Mr. Tom-Cat for his adopted son, Billy-Bom-Tom, who had the night off from the rehearsal of the musical, Hanoj.Who wins the bake-off?What about the hair-raising conclusion to the projected trip to Ancient Egypt-is it safe or not?Can Angel stop the proposed trip?The answers to all these pressing questions are found inside this book so you can read all about the exciting events in Katville for yourself.