Gray : The first children ’ s book I ever wrote was called God Needed a Puppy , which was a book I wrote to help kids overcome the loss of a pet . That one did really well , because it really connected with parents . They were able to sit with their kids and give them some hope and closure on a tough day . There ’ s also a children ’ s book that ’ s out right now called Sweet Polly Petals , which is about a little girl who goes to the park and sees homeless people sometimes . One day , she asks why they ’ re there and how she can help them . She offers a homeless woman her lunch . The homeless woman has a potted orchid flower , so Polly helps her water the flower . The woman is so touched by Polly ’ s generosity that she gives her the flower . She then tells Polly , “ I have a secret : this flower is magic . It grants wishes , but there are two catches : the first catch is that each wish has to help someone else . You can ’ t wish for something for yourself . The second catch is that every time a wish comes true , the flower drops one of its four petals . Once the petals are gone , there are no more wishes .” Polly then has to decide who she ’ s going to help with the wishes . I ’ m hoping teachers like the book , because it ’ s really good for sitting with kids and discussing the question of , “ If you had four magic wishes , who would you help ?”
Sherman : What are the best ways to pick up a copy of your new novel , Manchester Christmas ?
Gray : Manchester Christmas will be in stores in early November . It will be available at most bookstores nationwide , both independent and chain stores . It will also be available for sale online . It ’ s a story about forgiveness and helping others . I think people will really enjoy it if they read it , especially if they ’ re from the Manchester area . They ’ re going to recognize a lot of the things that I mention in this story about Vermont .
TWO PREMIER VACATION RENTALS HOMES IN THE BEAUTIFUL GREEN MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHERN VERMONT .
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~ Manchester 3 bedroom 3.5 bath home on 3.8 acres ~ ~ Manchester 4 bedroom 4.5 bath home on 2 acres ~
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So much to explore at Hildene !
Twelve miles of trails for all seasons ( ski and snowshoe rentals available , weather permitting )
Goat Dairy , Cheesemaking facility and Dene Farm
Robert & Mary ’ s 1905 Georgian Revival home , and “ The American Ideal ” exhibit
1906 Pullman railcar “ Sunbeam ,” and “ Many Voices ” exhibit
The Museum Store Year-round programming
READ THE 1ST CHAPTER OF MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS IN STRATTON MAGAZINE ’ S 2020 HOLIDAY ISSUE STRATTONMAGAZINE . COM cultural heritage environmental stewardship civic engagement
1005 Hildene Road Manchester , VT 802.362.1788
hildene . org
VTMAG . COM HOLIDAY 2020 33