Patch the Kitten Finds a Home

By Mary Erickson

**This is the first bit of a picture-book story just written by my mother-in-law. It is so delightful I asked her to let me share a taste of it here. As you read, imagine what the happy pictures will be like that will go with it!**

Charlotte lived in a house with Mama Marie, Papa Jack, her dolly Priscilla and Bayberry Bear. Mama had told Charlotte that the big tree in the back yard was called Weeping Willow. Charlotte felt bad for a tree called Weeping and thought a tea party might cheer it up. She spread her princess blanket under the shade of the big tree, brought out her best Winnie the Pooh tea set and propped Priscilla and Bayberry bear against the trees white bark. Mama gave Charlotte tiny cheese sandwiches without the crust. (Charlotte didn’t like crust much.) As she was pouring lemonade Priscilla suggested some strawberries from the garden would go well. Bayberry agreed and so Charlotte was sent to pick some.

When Charlotte had almost picked a teacup full she thought she heard a tiny sound coming from under a cabbage leaf. She stopped, listened and heard it again. Curiously she lifted the cabbage leaf to discover a tiny white and black calico kitten. Charlotte was amazed to see such a perfectly beautiful kitty. She was sure the fairies had left her the kitty under the cabbage leaf just for her. She was just telling Mister Moon last night how much she would love a little pet of her very own!

Softly, Charlotte knelt down and picked up the tiny ball of fur. The kitty seemed to know she was safe and snuggled into Charlotte...