Petunia Bobbin and the Baby Robin: A Christmas Adventure

by Josh Grein

Overview

Little Petunia Bobbin is on her way home to wrap all the Christmas gifts she has bought for her friends and family when she hears a heartbreaking, boo-hooing squawk from just above her head. It is a tiny baby bird, all alone in a tree. The poor bird is too distraught to speak, so Petunia decided to call him simply Baby Robin.

Baby Robin tells Petunia he can't find his mother. Petunia knows she must help the little bird. She realizes that the air is beginning to take on a chill and that Baby Robin's mother must have flown south for the winter!

Petunia Bobbin and Baby Robin set off on an adventure south to find the bird's mother. As they search state after state, they not only develop the friendship of a lifetime, but learn the true meaning of Christmas as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781458206152
Publisher:	Abbott Press
Publication date:	10/31/2012
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.12(d)

Read an Excerpt

PETUNIA BOBBIN AND THE BABY ROBIN

A Christmas Adventure

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By Josh Grein

Abbott Press

Copyright © 2012 Josh Grein
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4582-0615-2

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Chapter One

Many Christmases ago, a young girl – Petunia Bobbin - had a big Christmas adventure! It started when she helped a stranger – the Baby Robin - in his time of need. It ended with Petunia Bobbin helping the Baby Robin find what he was looking for and her finding in him - her very best friend! The story begins way up north in the state of Maine and as you read of their travels – through many States – you will find all the lessons that the Christmas Season should bring!

The beginning of winter was cold that year,
All were festive - and all filled with Christmas cheer.
People hung lights and wreaths on each door,
Frazzled shoppers bought gifts - in every store.

Including one little girl with bags everywhere,
She hurried home - to wrap them with care.
Going from town to home just what did she see?
A tiny baby bird - all alone in a tree.

Now he made it real clear he wasn't gonna talk,
The only sound he'd make - was a boo hooing squawk.
She told him, "My name is Petunia Bobbin,
So I guess I'll just call you - the Baby Robin."

Finally, asking "Where is your Mother?"
He softly answered, - "I'm lost and I Love Her."
The poor little thing was so upset and blue,
Petunia now convinced, there was only one thing to do.

The two of them needed to hop on a plane,
Ride a bus - or better yet a train.
There was only one place Mother Bird would go,
Since suddenly the cold wind – had started to blow.

His Mother would have headed south this time of year,
They had to find her - and put aside their fear.
They were on their way as it began to rain,
Oh so quickly it would turn to snow - there in Maine.

When finally the train was rolling down the tracks,
Both of them took a deep breath - and tried to relax.
The conductor was nice and showed them their seats,
Checked their tickets and handed them some treats.

Petunia told him that, "South is where we're heading,
And going on this trip - we're kind of dreading,
But we know that everything will be alright,
If we can just find his Mother - by Christmas Night."

Now she knew that they had crossed over the state line,
When they passed - the Welcome to New Hampshire sign,
But when the Baby Robin started to cry,
She put her arms around him and asked him – "Why?"

He softly said, "Petunia just look around,
This state is pretty - but there's snow on the ground."
So she told him, "You are just being silly,
Your Mother won't stop here - its way too chilly."

Then she told him that he should really take a nap,
Because she needed time - to study the map.
More importantly time was needed to say a prayer,
To gather some strength - and control her despair.

The very next morning they were sharing a croissant,
As they passed the sign - welcoming them to Vermont.
Just then the Baby Robin's eyes got all hazy,
He fluttered around - and started going crazy.

Flying from seat to seat he exclaimed, "This is great,
I just know we're going to find Mother in this state."
Petunia said, "Please settle down and take a breather,
It's still really cold - she won't be here either.

You need to chill out, and try to remain calm.
Until we find her - and actually see your Mom."
Now, Petunia knew that Christmas was getting near,
Not finding her by then - was Petunia's biggest fear.

As the train headed south - into Massachusetts,
Petunia asked her friend if he had any regrets.
Unsure about the tough decision that he had made,
To search for his Mother on this escapade.

Quickly he responded, "No No No No No!
I'm totally prepared - and ready to go.
Well, I'm kind of scared but I will find my Mother,
If I have to search - from one state to another."

"O.K.," she said, "just don't be too surprised,
You need to know - this could become a bumpy ride."
"Petunia, I just have one more thing to say,
Please help me find my Mother by Christmas Day!"

The train had stopped as the morning sun shone bright,
For they had made it to Rhode Island during the night.
Petunia knew this was going to be a really quick stop,
So she announced, "Let's run through the station and shop."

There were just so so many things they would need,
If they were successfully going to proceed.
So she had the Baby Robin grab her hand,
And they went shopping for supplies - like they planned.

They took a little bit of time to eat a snack,
Then the train's whistle blew - and they hurried back.
But as they made their way across the station,
The Baby Robin stopped - to have a conversation.

"Petunia this is Willy and he's a goat",
"Hi Petunia," He said with a scratchy throat.
Willy told the Baby Robin that he has a boat,
And he serves all his passengers a root beer float.

Petunia said, "That sounds great, can we pay you with oats?
Because traveling by water - has got our votes.
Go tell the conductor, so he doesn't miss us,
Let's hurry - its getting closer to Christmas!"

Willy told them all about boat etiquette,
As he docked - on the shore of beautiful Connecticut.
There were lots of people decorating the stores,
With wreaths and lights and a whole lot more.

Down the streets they heard music, singing and humming,
With festive bands playing - that had drummers drumming.
Then they realized what the whole town was becoming,
Filled with excitement - that Christmas was coming!

Everyone was jolly and filled with Christmas cheer,
Except the Baby Robin - who was still filled with fear.
Willy knew everyone in that happy little town,
But no one had seen - the Mother Robin around.

After getting more supplies for a root beer float,
It was time to move on - and get back to the boat.
The Baby Robin sat sadly in his seat,
Until Willy handed him his root beer treat!

Willy had a friend, who was very very witty,
So they took off to see her - in New York City!
He told them she could give them the right advice,
And she would care - because she was just so nice.

As Willy took the boat further out into the ocean,
The Baby Robin was causing quite a commotion!
Being so far out was causing him such fright,
And it didn't help - that there was no land in sight.

Suddenly, as they made their way towards the port,
The boat started rocking - wildly - back and forth!
Willy screamed, "Everyone jump into the sea,
And quickly swim to the Statue of Liberty!"

Now, of course the Baby Robin took off and flew,
But Willy and Petunia were not sure of what to do.
Until they saw a welcome sight, a hand, and it was blue,
Willy exclaimed, "It's my friend, Ms. Ellis, the Emu!"

Ms. Ellis led them down the streets to a place called Times Square,
Where people were shopping and didn't have a care.
She told them of a man with a beard and lots of white hair,
Who gave gifts to kids - and helped answer every prayer.

They waited in line for what seemed like hours,
Just to meet this man - with special Christmas powers.
As he called them to him they had to pause,
When he said, "Hi Petunia, I'm Santa Clause."

With wide eyes she asked, "Do you know all of us?"
"Yes", he said, "and even what you came to discuss."
Then Santa led them away to his sleigh,
Where Willy secretly - fed the reindeer some hay.

As Petunia said, "I don't believe we are worthy",
Santa ordered his team, "Onward to New Jersey!"
The reindeer took off with this simple command,
And one tug on the reins - by Santa's right hand.

Before they knew it - it was Christmas Eve night,
And Santa had started his gift giving flight.
The whole group was along for this magical ride,
With Willy cheering on the reindeer – seated by Santa's side.

They stopped at every house and dropped off toys,
And Santa knew the names of all the girls and boys.
From roof top to roof top the Reindeer quickly flew,
Pulling the gifts, the sleigh and them (Santa's Crew!)

When they crossed the Pennsylvania border,
Santa opened - a Special Christmas Order.
As he gently pulled the reigns to slow their pace,
He read a letter - from Little Connor about his sister Grace.

"Dear Santa, We're not sure you know we exist,
But if so, there's only one wish on our tiny list.
We know you are busy and have lots to do,
All we need is just one shoe - not even two.

You see my Daddy lost his job this year,
And losing our home is his biggest fear.
If we do have to go and live in the street,
I want Grace to have something - to cover her feet.

Her right one is just fine and works really good,
The left is torn - and doesn't cover what it should.
If you bring this I promise not to be bad,
I know it would bring a smile - to my Mom and Dad."

Then Santa slowly put the letter away,
And they all bowed their heads – in silence to pray.
For all the people who are very - very poor,
And for all those who have no family - to adore.

Now Santa's sleigh moves oh so magically fast,
They did hours of work but just minutes had past!
As they landed on the kids roof in Delaware,
Little Connor was kneeling - saying a prayer.

They sat in the sleigh wondering what Santa would do,
Out of his bag - would he pull out just one shoe?
Suddenly, out of the sleigh and down the chimney he flew,
What he had in his bag not one of them knew.

Now they all had strict orders to sit and to wait,
But it wasn't like Santa to procrastinate.
So quietly they followed in Santa's path,
Down the chimney, through the kitchen, and passed the bath.

To be really - really quiet they had to crawl,
All the way to his room at the end of the hall.
There they saw St. Nick kneeling next to his bed,
Praying with Little Connor - still bowing his head.

As Connor and Santa prayed with all of their might,
Suddenly, down the hall there was a bright - bright light!
The two of them ran and the Baby Robin took flight,
There at the tree - they couldn't believe the glorious sight!

There were boxes and boxes of shoes everywhere,
Under the tree, on the couch, and on every chair!
Shoes of all types in both children's size,
It was a little boy's faith - that brought this surprise!

Santa then hurried them all back to the sleigh,
They spent too much time and had to be on their way.
As they sat they wondered - how Santa could be so kind,
Until he said, "We still have a Mother to find!"

From one house to another the Reindeer hurried,
It showed on their faces that they were all worried!
They flew through Maryland in the blink of an eye,
Not forgetting one kid – on that you can rely.

As they made their way into Washington D.C.,
They felt honor in living - in the land of the free.
The Monuments and Memorials were a vision to see,
They saw it all - even the National Christmas Tree.

Of course they stopped at all the homes around,
And even one really big White House – downtown.
It was decorated in the most beautiful way,
With lights and trees - to celebrate Christmas Day.

Once inside the Big House Santa opened a letter,
Petunia sat by the fire - and took off her sweater.
Santa said, "Mr. President always thanks me for the joy,
And the hope I bring - to every girl and boy."

They listened to that letter the whole way through,
Except Willy - he didn't really have a clue.
But the Baby Robin and Petunia definitely knew,
The meaning was be kind - and have faith in all you do.

As they flew away from that historical place,
Their pride in their Country - was on each of their face.
So Santa knew as the sleigh glided gently down,
They would appreciate - this small Virginia town.

Santa said, "Here is where great Americans train to be,
Defenders on the ground, in the air, and by the sea.
This is where American heroes come and go,
We are on the Marine Corps Base - at Quantico.

I'm sure you are wondering why I would come here,
It's because of the children - who won't get toys this year.
Believe it or not that number would be lots and lots,
If it were not for the Marine Corps - Toys for Tots.

These Marines are proud to help Santa provide,
For underprivileged kids – nationwide.
No child should be forgotten or ever left behind,
They should all have a toy - on Christmas morning to find."

They put the toys on the sleigh and piled them high,
And thanked the Marines - as they said goodbye.
After the reindeer took off at such a fast pace,
Santa's determination was written on his face.

Slowly, Santa moved to the front of the sleigh,
As they all listened to what he had to say.
"It's getting late and we still have lots to do,
To cover more ground we have to split up our crew.

Petunia, don't be afraid, and try not to cry,
But, to you, and two Reindeer - we must say goodbye.
As we continue to give gifts worldwide,
Find your faith and let your heart be your guide."

As they left Petunia made a promise to her friend,
"I'll find your Mother - on me you can depend."
Then the Reindeer and she followed their first order,

To search across - the North Carolina border.
They went from one side of that state to the other,
With no sign - of her very best friend's Mother.
But she had faith in her quest with no time to rest,
So they desperately looked - from East to West.

Heading across the South Carolina skies,
Petunia hoped and prayed - as the sun began to rise.
Her faith was strong so she tried not to worry,
But it was Christmas Day - and they had to hurry.

She wished Santa and her friends were still by her side,
But they had to finish - their gift giving ride.
So the reindeer and she kept searching here and there,
With no sign of the Mother Robin – anywhere.

Slowly this trip was beginning to take its toll,
She just needed time - to rejuvenate her soul.
So the reindeer and she stopped at a Church,
To help her find strength - to continue their search.

While praying in the Church, Petunia came to see,
There was only one place - the Mother Robin could be!
Mother Robin headed some place warm to get out of the north,
Because every year birds - fly back and forth!

Suddenly, it was becoming oh so clear,
There's only one state that's warm this time of year!
So as they started heading in that direction,
Petunia knew Christmas Day – had to end in perfection!

She hoped Santa and the crew - were looking too,
But it was getting late - and suddenly her fear grew.
Because it was now the middle of Christmas Day,
And there was no sign at all - of Santa's' sleigh!

All of a sudden Petunia heard Willy screaming,
For just a split second she thought she was dreaming!
But before Santa could even slow their pace,
Willy jumped in her arms - and was kissing her face!

Hearing their voices was such a beautiful sound,
Especially, when Willy finally settled down.
Now all of this excitement would just have to wait,
Because they were in Georgia - and it was the wrong state!

Climbing back in the sleigh they were again on their way,
It was already late evening that glorious Christmas Day!
Quickly they reached the warm Florida air,
Then the Baby Robin said - "I have something to share.

I can't believe that all of you came along,
On this long journey - to help me find my Mom.
There's really no way to thank you all enough,
For helping me through - this time that is so tough."

Just as these words brought a tear to Willy's eye,
He spotted the Mother Robin flying across the sky.
As usual Willy started kissing Petunia's face,
But this time Santa - really increased their pace!

All of a sudden the Baby Robin took flight,
They were amazed to see him - use all of his might!
His beautiful wings were soaring through the air,
In his heart and his soul - he had only one care.

To hug his loving and adoring Mother,
Because he knew - there was absolutely no other,
That would care for and protect him in the same way,
As the one he gets to call Mom - every day!

Santa winked at his Crew – after landing their flight,
But they were watching the mother and son – reunite.
Then suddenly, there came another bright light,
And Santa and his reindeer – twinkled out of sight!

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from PETUNIA BOBBIN AND THE BABY ROBIN by Josh Grein Copyright © 2012 by Josh Grein. Excerpted by permission of Abbott Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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