Two Llamas and A Horse - Gloria Guest

Two Llamas and a Horse were grazing out in the field on a bright and sunny day, when the first Llama spotted their owner getting into his pick up truck. "I wonder where he goes everyday?" he mumbled through his mouthful of grass. "Me too," said the second Llama. "I wonder where he goes?" Horse watched their owner leaving the yard and driving up over the hill. "He always comes back with something. But never anything for us," he said in his most whinnying, whiny voice. "Ya," said the second Llama, shaking his hair out of his eyes, "He never has anything for us."

Yes, that is my attempt at the beginning of a children's story for this month's blog prompt on trying a new genre. It's actually based on the two llamas and a horse that my son had out on his farm. For years it was two Llamas and two Horses, and they didn't really mix with one another. But when the one horse died, I was amazed to notice that the two Llamas took the lone horse into their company. I always wondered at their camaraderie and thought it would make a good children's story, but all I had was the title: Two Llamas and A Horse. Even though I received my certificate years ago from the Institute for Writing For Children & Teenagers, I never really pursued the genre much after that. During the course I wrote quite a number of various stories, with the only one I recall being about a blue parrot in a pet store and its interactions with the customers who came in, in particular a curious little girl who befriended him. I don't remember much else, including the plot. I don't remember my instructor's remarks but I do recall not feeling very satisfied with the story at the time.

But over the years, writing for children has always sat on a back shelf in my mind. I particularly think of it when I recall how much I loved reading as a child and some of my favorite books such as, Curious George (written and illustrated by Margret and H.A. Rey), Charlotte's Web (written by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams) and so many more children's books that ushered me into the love of reading. With Charlotte's Web I am continuously amazed how the author took something as simple as a pig (Wilbur) and a spider (Charlotte); and told such a fascinating tale. Yet even though it's a simple concept, the story actually deals with some real-life, heavier concepts such as the true definition of friendship and what sacrifice can really mean. That's the thing about writing a successful children's book; it can look simple; but it's really not. It requires the ability to get down to eye-level with your young reader so as not to talk down to them, while at the same time giving them something to reach for and grow into. It also requires an astute understanding of the language of children for the age you are trying to reach, yet not too overly simplified and not too far above them. Children do need to learn new and bigger words, and the context of a story is the perfect place to teach them, yet you need a well measured approach. A child's story book is actually a masterpiece of precision along with frivolity; a child's playground mixed in with a sprinkle of knowledge. It's an exercise of fantasy and whimsy and even gibberish intertwined while also offering them a long and soulful drink to expand their curiosity. It's an energetic undertaking which is perhaps why I shy away from it.

Fantasy, in particular, feels very left wing for my brain. I'm not sure why. Maybe I don't like the blurred lines with reality or perhaps it feels too nonsensical for my realistic mind. But children love fantasy so it never hurts to learn to write in that genre if you are going to write a children's book. Even a line or two of fantastical nonsense can keep them giggling. Come to think of it, the story The Wonky Donkey (written by Craig Smith, illustrator Katz Cowley), fits the Children's Literature/Fantasy genre quite well. I laughed and laughed my way through that ridiculous, crazy story while reading it to my granddaughter. She laughed too but perhaps also at her silly grandmother. Maybe that joyful experience is why my heart turned towards the thought of a children's book and fantasy for this month's blog post. Perhaps my Two Llamas and a Horse need to do something 'Wonky'.

Horse continued staring at the hill, where their owner had now disappeared over. "Well I'm not waiting anymore to find out," he said and ended it with his loudest neigh. "Let's go." "Ya," said the second Llama, "Let's go!" Giving yet another shake of his head to get the hair out of his eyes. First Llama looked up lazily from his grazing. "Really? You're both nuts." "We're All nuts," said Second Llama, "because you started it." "Awww sheesh," said First Llama, as he moved slowly to follow Horse who was already at the gate. "Hold on, Horse," he said, "I know just what to do to break us out of here. "Come on Second Llama, we'll need your help." With that, the Two Llamas and A Horse backed up and took their hardest charge at the gate, that had needed a bit of fixing awhile ago. Llama One had a very surprised look on his face. Llama Two still couldn't see through his hair, and Horse had his ears pinned back in excitement. It was finally going to happen. He would finally find out what was over that hill. They all looked at each other and then back at the fence and then......"Charge!" yelled Llama One. "Ya Charge!" Llama Two repeated. "Ok then," yelled Horse, "Charge!" And so they did.

Gloria writes and blogs from small town Saskatchewan near the very farm where Two Llamas and A Horse lived their best lives. Sadly Horse is the last survivor of the trio but the Two Llamas live on in his memories. Gloria usually writes Memoir, Creative Non-Fiction, Devotional, Poetry, and the occasional fiction. She is more than open to some feedback on what she considers her poor attempt at a Children's Story.