Stories of Blunder Creek

By Gwendolyn Lewis Johnson

A babbling stream called Blunder Creek runs through the little village of Westwood, and the weather there is always just right. Westwood is the home of many animal residents who live and work and play in the beauty of nature.

Theres Loody Fruity the beetle, who seems to have lost his head; Molly the Mole, who is a troublemaker; Squirrely Squirrel, who must find out what squirrels need; Grucy, who is selfish; Flub-a-dud the mocking bird, who is rude to others; and many others. These animal friends grow and learn lessons together, solving problems and working with each other.

Illustrated in full color, Stories of Blunder Creek seeks to help children learn about the world around them and understand the importance of sharing, caring, helping, and growing together. It combines the exciting discovery of nature with the warmth of village caregivers, teaching lessons and guiding young readers to insight and self-esteem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Sep 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781480810310

Gwendolyn Lewis Johnson

Gwendolyn Lewis Johnson raised six children with her husband, Ken, in Michigan. She earned a BFA and a MAT from two world-renowned colleges in Detroit and then went on to teach in Detroit Public Schools. Now retired, she serves as a charter school site leader as she replants the seeds of her passion, teaching and supporting children.

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Copyright © 1981, 2014 Gwendolyn Lewis Johnson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Gwendolyn Lewis Johnson, Illustrator & Designer

Dr. Kenneth Lorenzo Johnson, Photographer

Archway Publishing

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

1-(888)-242-5904

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1029-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1030-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1031-0 (e)

Archway Publishing rev. date: 9/4/2014

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Special acknowledgements in the creation of Stories of Blunder Creek are for Michelle, Solomon, Kemael, Leah, Kevin, and Simeon, (my keep me laughing six children), insightful husband Ken, and editor, Vivian Phillips.

For the Children

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Contents

Blunder Creek

Molly the Mole

Squirrely Squirrel

Grucy

Flub-a-dud

Scalawogus

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Blunder Creek

This story begins in the small village of Westwood. It’s called that because all the woods are in the west part of the village. It’s sunny most days and rains at night. The air has a fresh pine smell each morning. A crisp, babbling creek runs through the village that the residents of Westwood call Blunder Creek. It’s the only creek that flows into the lakes and then into the sea. Residents learn many lessons there.

The fresh odors of flowers and pinecones in the air bring every resident out to enjoy the day. That’s because Westwood is always in bloom and the weather is always just right for anyone.

One day, just after a cool breeze dried the grass, two of Westwood’s well-known citizens came hopping along beside Blunder Creek. They were Rosy Rabbit and Peddler Frog.

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Suddenly, Peddler Frog stumbled, flipped, and fell to the ground with a thud. Rosy could not control herself and she laughed out loud. What happened Peddler? she giggled. Peddler looked up at her. Then he stretched out his arms and pushed himself to his