Reviews from

A Fairy Tale Beginning

This is a true story of how a child changed me.

26 total reviews 
Comment from Cole Lindell
Excellent
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How warm! I'm sure I had understanding teachers such as you. They let me dream and grow at my own pace and in my own way. I wish they were around so I could thank them personally, but let me thank you in their place.
This make a good chapter in your collection of Tales.

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much. I?m honored to stand in for your teachers. What a thoughtful, encouraging review.
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
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Mary, this is such an endearing, sweet story. Sometimes, the most difficult person is a deep well that just needs to be drawn out. You were just the teacher he needed!
Sending you my best today as always, and best wishes for the contest,
Sally XOs......

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 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much,Sally. I value your opinion.
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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This is such a marvelous story! You show us a change not just in Jeffrey but also in your connection with him over a book! I think this will do well in the contest!
By the way, your first word is "IWe" perhaps, it's better to choose one pronoun. And there's a stray comma between the paragraph ending with description before the paragraph starting with Jeffrey.

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 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for your lovely review and for your sharp eye for errors as well.
Comment from phill doran
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Mary
It is good to read you once more.
A wonderful tale - plain, straightforward and yet it makes a firm impact. You write well, confidently and you invite the reader in. And if you style is not confessional, then it is certainly honest.
We are in part the sum of all the people we we connect (or disconnect) with, and it is an interesting view to hear from the teacher changed by the pupil, when so often we only read about when it is the other way around.
(perhaps call the book: "Telling Tales Out Of School" - there's more word play in that maybe).
Some small points:
of his eyes and looked away.. "Good morning, Jeffrey." (you have two full stops after 'away')
I lost patience with Jeffry, (Jeffrey)
I think 'first-grade' is hyphenated and 'seven year-old' should be 'seven-year-old' (I think!)
But, overall, a gentle and engaging read: thank you for posting this.
I wish you safe and well
cheers
phill

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much, Phil. I?m glad you enjoyed the story. I like your idea for the book title - much clearer reference to the saying. And thanks for the detailed corrections.
    I hope you are staying safe and well.
    Mary
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, there are always those 'special ones' that hold a special place in our hearts as teachers, aren't there? We can still see their special reactions or faces decades down the road... :) Very well written with personality and with verve that makes the reader 'want' to know Jeffry too!! ;) Thanx for sharing! ;)

Also, Mary, I wanted to note that your profile has you listed as a male... if that is correct forgive me for pointing it out. I only do so in the event that it is a simple entry error that could be corrected... ;) :)

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for your lovely review. You are right. My profile is wrong. I guess I should get them to change it, but gender is supposed to be a non-issue these days, so I let it go.
Comment from RodG
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a terrific opening and oh so true. As a former teacher, I can easily relate. We have all had both kinds of students and you describe Jeffrey using "L" words vividly. Also as you continue to describe his passivity and shrugs. Interesting how you learned about his mother from a note. I love the scene where he is animated, waving the book he loved. And the follow-up describing how you newly interpreted his shrugs. What a beautiful tribute to a single student you came to love! Rod

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thanks for a lovely, thoughtful review. I?m so glad you liked the store.
reply by RodG on 18-Aug-2020
    It?s a terrific story and you are very welcome. Rod
reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020