The following poem is my version of Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, with a bit of inspiration from How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss. It explains what Kitty’s been up to lately, which I’ve hinted at a couple of times. (Yes, I know this is more appropriate for Christmas Eve. But you don’t want to wait that long, do you?) So, if you stopped by to learn who won the books in the latest giveaways (click here and here for the author interviews), check the end of the poem.
’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, save Kitty—that louse!
While the children drew close to the warm fireplace,
Kitty took herself up the stairs to rob the place.
But a child crept upstairs to observe her at work.
Yet Kitty heard her creeping, and turned with a jerk.
“Are you Santa Claus?” asked the sweet little tike.
“I’d like a Nintendo, and some kind of bike.”
“A Nintendo what?” asked the grumpy fake Nick.
“Nintendo’s a company. Please be specific.”
“You’re not St. Nick!” cried the suddenly wise child.
“You’re grumpy and harsh; he’s sweet and warm and mild.”
“He sounds like a hot drink,” the would-be thief sneered.
“Take my advice. This Santa Claus? Well, he sounds weird.”
Kitty shooed the child off with a ten-dollar bill.
She returned to the sack she had hastened to fill.
But suddenly outside, there arose such a clatter.
To the window she raced. What on earth was the matter?
Sirens squealed in the distance—what a kerfuffle!
The window was shut; but the noise would not muffle.
She would be caught with the stuff she had stolen.
What could she say about a large sack so swollen?
So, she threw off the disguise, and then she made haste
Down the stairs with her usual cupcake at her waist.
“Oh children,” she said, “I’m a neighbor so near
I stepped through the window to visit you here.”
The child with the ten, not a word did she say.
She felt keeping mum made life better that way.
So, they gave Kitty cocoa and showed her a chair.
And soon, Kitty realized, she was better off there.
Now let’s turn from a larcenous “Santa” to the winners of the books. As a reminder, I am giving away a copy of How to Share with a Bear and How to Build a Snow Bear by Eric Pinder, as well as Hard to Die by Andra Watkins and Our Justice by John Howell.
The winner of Eric Pinder’s picture books is . . .
Is . . .
Is . . .
Is . . .
Jennie!
The winner of How to Die and Our Justice is . . .
Is . . .
Is . . .
Is . . .
Andy!
Winners, please confirm below. Jennie, please email your snail mail information and phone number to lmarie7b(at)gmail(dot)com. (Amazon will not deliver without a phone number.) Andy, when you email, please include the email address you use with Amazon.uk. I believe you can only get the Kindle versions of Hard to Die and Our Justice through Amazon.uk. Hope that is okay.
Thank you to all who commented!
Book covers from Goodreads. Photos by L. Marie. The Happy Places Shopkins Happy Home is a registered trademark of Moose Toys. Hello Kitty is a registered trademark of Sanrio Co., Ltd.
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