| Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased | | | | Tyler: Although they usually pretend to make |
| to be joined by Lisa Maria Lanno, who is here to | | | | everything up, writers typically do draw on real-life |
| discuss her new children's book "The Secret Cave," | | | | experiences they have had, and it sounds like you've |
| iUniverse (2006), ISBN 9780595405855. We are also | | | | done the same. What challenges or difficulties did you |
| joined today by Brianne Plach, our ten-year old | | | | find in taking people you knew and recasting them |
| reviewer of "The Secret Cave" who will ask Lisa a | | | | into fictional characters? For example, what made |
| few questions to begin. | | | | you make the changes in the children's ages or sibling |
| Lisa Maria Lanno was born in 1954 in Boston, MA, an | | | | order? |
| only child of first generation Italian-Americans. She | | | | Lisa: Taking my real kids and casting them into roles |
| was married in 1976 to her late husband, Frank, and | | | | wasn't too difficult, because I kept their personalities |
| they had three children, Genevieve, Joe, and Valerie, | | | | (flaws included) as they really are. The younger girls I |
| born in Hawaii, where the family resided for 5 years. | | | | did have to "make up" a bit more, as I don't know |
| She has one grandson, Jedai, and she has three large | | | | them personally. I got some basics and built on how I |
| dogs who live with her, along with Joe, Valerie, and | | | | think they'd interact. As for the ages: I thought that |
| two cats. | | | | 13 would be good ages for a believable adventure. |
| Lisa is trained in motivational speaking and graphology | | | | The boys aren't too young, yet not too old. I |
| (handwriting analysis). She loves to cook, enjoys her | | | | wanted younger sisters so that younger readers |
| family and has a passion for animals. She makes | | | | could relate, and there had to be the annoying older |
| homemade, healthy dog cookies for her dogs, gifts, | | | | sisters to antagonize the boys. I changed the ages |
| and for sale. You can purchase her dog cookies at [ | | | | of my girls because I'd already decided on the boys' |
| where some of the profit goes to animals in need. | | | | ages and didn't want to cast Valerie as the younger |
| Since age sixteen, Lisa knew she wanted to be a | | | | sister. I liked her better as a bit older. |
| writer. "The Secret Cave" is her first published book, | | | | As for "real life" experiences, I WISH I could have |
| but she has more on the way. | | | | done the things the kids in The Secret Cave did! |
| Tyler: Thank you, Lisa, for joining us today. Brianne, I'll | | | | Tyler: Lisa, I understand "The Secret Cave" is not |
| let you ask your questions first. | | | | just a straight story, but has educational supplements |
| Brianne: Did you have any fun family vacations that | | | | included. Will you tell us a little bit about those? |
| inspired you to write about two cousins exploring a | | | | Lisa: Of course! I feel it has a lot of educational value. |
| mystery on their vacation? | | | | I put in the "Stop and Think" section at the end of |
| Lisa: That's a good question! Actually, as an "only | | | | each chapter to ignite the imagination of the reader. |
| child," my family vacations consisted of my mom, | | | | The questions are not the typical "what happened on |
| dad, myself and occasionally other family members. | | | | page 2" questions, rather, questions that will make |
| As my parents were in their mid-40's when I was | | | | you think. "What would YOU do in this situation?" |
| born, all my cousins were much older, which I think | | | | "What would you have happen if YOU wrote the |
| helped to cultivate my already active imagination. You | | | | book?" "Do you think there is danger ahead? Should |
| think up all sorts of fun things when you're the only | | | | they check things out?" "Why do YOU think this or |
| kid around! | | | | that happened?" |
| Brianne: Did you have a cousin close in age to you | | | | I'm not asking the reader to predict what I wrote, |
| while growing up? If so, is that who Joe and Ronnie | | | | but to think of how they would tell it if they were |
| are based on? | | | | writing the book. My imagination told me what to |
| Lisa: No, I really didn't have anyone in my family that | | | | write and it's fun to find out what your imagination |
| was close in age, but I did have a friend who lived | | | | will tell you to write. |
| one house away. She was the more "logical" of the | | | | I have also added a "Vocabulary Section" at the end |
| two of us, but was always willing to participate in my | | | | of the book. Vocabulary words are in bold, italics |
| "imaginary" adventures. (Maybe that's 'cause she was | | | | throughout the book, helping youngsters to learn and |
| a year and a half younger than I was, and more | | | | appreciate new words. The younger readers may |
| easily convinced!) | | | | just learn the meaning. A mid-level reader may learn |
| I'd drag her up the big hill behind my house and she'd | | | | the meaning and spelling, while the higher-level reader |
| play "archaeologist" or "detective" with me. That is, | | | | might learn the meaning, spelling, and be able to put |
| until I fell down the hill head first, broke a tooth, and | | | | the word into a sentence. I feel it's a good learning |
| hurt my foot! Here's one that my kids still tease me | | | | tool for teachers and parents, as well as the children |
| about: We'd go to a store with our parents, and off | | | | themselves. |
| on our own, we'd "follow" people, pretending to be | | | | Tyler: Why did you decide to include the educational |
| detectives. I had a pen, yes a pen, which I'd talk into, | | | | supplements? You mentioned they are not the |
| as it was my secret phone. Sometimes when I | | | | "typical" questions, but ones that make you think. Did |
| misplace a phone, my kids will hand me a pen, and | | | | you feel some of the reading materials used by |
| say, "Here, use this"! | | | | schools was deficient? |
| Brianne: Did you always want to be an author? | | | | Lisa: Although I'm not as "in tune" with the school |
| Lisa: You know, now that I really look back, I think I | | | | system as I was when my children were young, I |
| always did (when I realized the "Princess" thing was | | | | decided to put the educational supplements in for |
| probably out of the question). My first choice was to | | | | various reasons. My main focus is on the youngsters |
| work with animals, but I'm SO sensitive to them, that | | | | and helping them to "see" in their minds eye, as I did. |
| I knew I'd take sad cases to heart, which would | | | | I also wanted the book to be appealing to parents |
| probably break. That's why I work with them as a | | | | and teachers, as well as the students. Everyone wins |
| hobby and/or volunteer, not to mention all the strays | | | | this way! The kids get a mystery to read and help |
| I've picked up in all these years! | | | | solve, and the questions are really just prompts to |
| Brianne: Do you plan on writing more books like "The | | | | help them to learn to do just that. Same with the |
| Secret Cave" with great mysteries to uncover? | | | | Vocabulary Section; kids can look up words on their |
| Lisa: Absolutely! I have an idea swimming in my head | | | | own, or a parent/teacher may want to use them as |
| (and partly on paper), about three teenage girls, who | | | | well. |
| happen to get their phone "wires" crossed. Every day | | | | As for reading materials being deficient, I really |
| at the same time, they can "listen in" on a | | | | couldn't say, but believe that things in the schools are |
| conversation between a man and woman. When the | | | | fine. What I do know is that there is a lot of testing |
| woman decides she'd actually like to go on a date | | | | done these days (MCAS, I believe) and many |
| with the man, the girls hear more of his | | | | teachers say that there is less room for creative |
| conversations, and realize he may be a killer! They | | | | writing. his way, they can get a little of included in |
| have to find out who he is and who she is, before | | | | their reading. |
| he possibly kills this innocent woman. How's that for | | | | Tyler: I understand you actually work with schools |
| starters? | | | | and reading programs. Would you tell us a bit about |
| Brianne: What gave you the idea for setting the | | | | your work? |
| mystery in the 1700's? | | | | Lisa: Certainly! I am presently working with libraries, |
| Lisa: Well, when the boys find the "mystery note," | | | | schools and bookstores, with Author Readings, |
| and the "diary," there is mention of the famous pirate | | | | Motivational Talks, and Creative Writer's Workshops. |
| "Blackbeard." I did my research to find out when he | | | | I have my own little "twist" on the traditional "author |
| was alive and active. That's how I came up with the | | | | reading." I'll generally read the first chapter of "The |
| year 1710. | | | | Secret Cave," and ask one of the "Stop and Think" |
| Brianne: Thanks, Ms. Lanno. I simply loved this book | | | | questions to the audience. (Hint: it's about several, |
| and hope you write more books in the future. You | | | | huge, white rocks in the distance that are shaped like |
| are very talented and can captivate kids' imaginations. | | | | a skull). They get to tell me what they think the |
| Lisa: Thank you Brianne, as well. You are an amazing | | | | white rocks could be. The responses are amazing! |
| young lady, who can truly "see" what an author is | | | | There's everything from "monsters," to "Indian burial |
| trying to say and do. I truly believe you are going to | | | | grounds," to "doorways to other dimensions," to |
| be an amazing adult as well, and I hope all your | | | | "ghosts and goblins," or "dinosaur bones." Everyone |
| dreams come true! | | | | has something different to contribute. |
| Tyler: Thank you, Brianne, for helping us out. I really | | | | Now that they are enthused and having fun, sharing |
| appreciate it. Lisa, I understand "The Secret Cave" is | | | | ideas, we'll talk a bit about motivation and how to |
| an exciting adventure story about seeking treasure | | | | apply what they've just learned to every day life. |
| and that it involves pirates. Will you tell us a little bit | | | | Some youngsters don't find it as easy to write as |
| about the book's plot and setting? | | | | others, but now they know how easy it is to |
| Lisa: The book takes place in the summer, on a | | | | imagine, which is all that is needed to start the |
| scenic lake in New England. Two families join in for a | | | | process! I'll work this into a motivational talk about life |
| fun-filled vacation. Joe and Ronnie, both thirteen, are | | | | in general. Then, they can ask any questions they'd |
| cousins, their younger sisters, Anna & Emily are | | | | like. |
| eight and ten, while their older sisters, Valerie and | | | | My goal is to have the young ones feel good about |
| Genevieve, are fifteen and sixteen. | | | | reading, writing, and about their self worth. |
| The boys take their first day of vacation quite | | | | The Creative Writer's Workshops that follow are also |
| seriously, venturing deep into the woods to collect | | | | very interactive with what I call "brain exercises." |
| anything they might find interesting. They have NO | | | | Example: Children (and grown ups) are asked to |
| idea of the journey that lies ahead. While at the top | | | | picture themselves under a table, with a black sheet |
| of a tree, trying to retrieve a birds' nest, they notice | | | | over it. I ask them questions like: "Where are you?" |
| something very strange in the distance. They see | | | | "Are you inside or outside?" "Who are you?" "What |
| huge, white rocks that appear to be shaped like a | | | | noises do you hear?" From there, we learn how to |
| skull. Of course, the curious youngsters decide to | | | | add and build to our story, and how to conclude. |
| investigate. This leads to a number of adventures | | | | There's a lot of audience participation and youngsters |
| including: *A mysterious note, *An old cup, *A diary, | | | | "feed" off of each other's ideas, creating a very |
| *Skeletons, *A secret cave, *A pirate named "Spike", | | | | energetic atmosphere. I also have "exercises" for |
| *Possible treasure, and *Lots of danger and | | | | younger children involving drawing, rather than writing. |
| excitement. | | | | As of September 2007, I'll be teaching an eight-week |
| The clues, which are written in rhyme, will have you | | | | course to children ages 6-12. By the end, they'll all |
| scratching your head, as the boys try to decipher | | | | have their own stories completed! You can see the |
| them. You will feel exhilaration each time a mystery is | | | | website, for more details about my work. |
| solved and anticipation as the boys try to figure out | | | | Tyler: Lisa, you've mentioned imagination several |
| the next. | | | | times. A lot of parents think what's important is math |
| Each day, the boys get closer to solving each clue, | | | | and science, and when school budgets are cut, it's |
| while trying to keep their parents and nosey little | | | | usually the arts, which allow children to express |
| sisters out of it. Their older sisters become involved | | | | themselves, that are the first to go. Why do you |
| and help them plot a midnight adventure that will | | | | think having strong imaginations are so important for |
| have the hair on the back of your neck standing up! | | | | children and for their growth into adults? |
| At one point, Ronnie and Joe run into a very serious | | | | Lisa: Well, I believe math and science are very |
| hazard. Your heart will race as they try to escape a | | | | important, and necessary, but why take the things |
| terrible fate. | | | | away that make us who we are? We all need to |
| The book ends with some very satisfactory, | | | | learn to read and write, learn math, etc, but our |
| mystery solving, but just when you think it is over, | | | | imaginations are "our own." They make us individual |
| there is another clue to be found, another secret to | | | | and unique, something that cannot be taught in a |
| be found. It will all be revealed to you in the "Secret | | | | math class. For example, there may be a child who |
| Cave Two." | | | | loves science, but with imagination added, he/she |
| Tyler: Lisa, where did you come up with the idea for | | | | may become a great inventor. With imagination, |
| "The Secret Cave"? | | | | there is truly no limit. |
| Lisa: Since childhood, I've always been fascinated by | | | | Sometimes as adults, life gets difficult. I've heard |
| mystery and adventure. There was a hill behind my | | | | many people say that when they are stressed, they |
| house, where I'd play and pretend I was on some | | | | just "picture" themselves on a beautiful beach |
| adventure or another, even trying to find dinosaur | | | | somewhere, with the gentle wind blowing on them, |
| bones in my yard. My poor mother had to deal with | | | | while they soak up the rays of the sun. Our |
| me digging in her garden! I also lived near the ocean | | | | imaginations can be of a healing nature as we mature |
| and would imagine what it was like hundreds of years | | | | and "take us away" at times. Now maybe some of |
| ago, and would make up places where there would | | | | those people will take it a step further and paint a |
| be a secret caves that hid treasure, but it was a trip | | | | lovely picture, write a poem or even find that pretty |
| to Disney World that made the pirate theme stand | | | | beach to photograph. It all leads to positive things. |
| out. I took my kids on all the rides and simply fell in | | | | Tyler: Lisa, how has imagination helped you in your |
| love with the "Pirates" ride. As we rode through | | | | journey through life? |
| (over and over), a story started to emerge. I | | | | Lisa: As I mentioned, we are all unique, we all have |
| pictured my kids going on an adventure and finding | | | | our own special abilities, and I was blessed with a |
| treasure. Maybe I was living my imaginative fantasies | | | | vivid imagination (although don't ask me for directions |
| through them. I wrote a draft of the story years | | | | or to balance a check book). I struggled in school |
| ago, but didn't do anything seriously with it until now. | | | | with math and science, but any English and/or writing |
| Tyler: What is your favorite part of the book, or | | | | project was not difficult, with creative writing being |
| what do you think is the most exciting part of the | | | | very easy. Knowing I had this one good ability got |
| mystery? | | | | me through feeling rather "dumb" when it came to |
| Lisa: I'd have to say that I have three favorite parts | | | | other subjects. I focused my goals on what I was |
| that I consider most exciting. The first is at the | | | | best at, and it all involved imagination (cooking, art |
| beginning, when Joe and Ronnie literally stumble upon | | | | projects, writing, painting, and newly added, web |
| a skeleton hand, the remains of the first pirate in the | | | | design). |
| cave. Although they already knew there was some | | | | What I didn't realize was how it can help give |
| sort of mystery, this is a part that makes you "hold | | | | confidence in life as a whole! I may have to work |
| your breath" and wonder what is going to happen | | | | harder at math than other people, but I know I can |
| next. Is someone going to pop out and "get them"? | | | | do it if I try. |
| Are the boys going to run, or continue on? Now they | | | | Another way it's helped is with my own children. As |
| know for sure it's going to be more frightening than | | | | an example, when they were very little, (1, 3 & |
| just finding an old note or dented cup. | | | | 5), I had to think of inventive ways to entertain |
| The second part is when there is a cave-in that traps | | | | them all together. I'd cut different shapes out of |
| the boys. They think things are just fine until they | | | | construction paper and have the kids glue them to |
| realize they have a limited air supply. The more | | | | make faces. While one child learned words, one |
| frenzied the boys become, the faster your heart will | | | | would learn colors, and the other learned shapes. So, |
| beat as you read! | | | | imagination helped us all (and kept three little ones all |
| The third part is the ending (which, of course, I won't | | | | at one table!) |
| reveal). In the last chapter, even though the mystery | | | | Tyler: Lisa, what do you find most rewarding about |
| is "solved," you, as the reader, know there is | | | | being a children's author? |
| something that isn't quite right. Something in your | | | | Lisa: I find it most rewarding to be able to reach |
| stomach will say to you, "There's got to be | | | | children as an author, an educator and as a |
| something missing here." When you see a brand new | | | | motivational speaker. I truly feel that if the kids have |
| mystery unveiled, your excitement will build, making | | | | self-esteem, they won't need all the "bad" things the |
| you want to find out what will happen in the next | | | | world has to offer. |
| book. | | | | I completely enjoy my talks and workshops, no |
| Tyler: What do you feel sets "The Secret Cave" | | | | matter how many or how few are in attendance. In |
| apart from other children's books that involve | | | | a recent workshop, a mom with two very creative |
| mysteries and adventure? | | | | daughters said she was very "mathematical" and had |
| Lisa: I feel the characters are very relatable to | | | | "no creative abilities." After the workshop, even she |
| children and the story is quite believable. Readers will | | | | realized she could find her creativity and help |
| actually be able to picture themselves in the mystery. | | | | understand her girls better. Now, that's rewarding! |
| As the clues are revealed, the reader will find that he | | | | Tyler: Lisa, did you always want to be a writer? |
| or she will be thinking about what each clue could | | | | What influenced you in choosing to become an |
| mean and how to solve each riddle, as well as how | | | | author? |
| to get out of the jams the characters find | | | | Lisa: I have always been creative and as I got older, |
| themselves in. | | | | I found that putting things into words was the |
| I'm "all about imagination" and creative thinking, and | | | | easiest and most natural way for me to create. For |
| this book will make people, young and old, use their | | | | example, I can paint, but it takes a lot of effort. |
| imaginations. The best part is, you don't even realize | | | | Writing comes naturally to me and I absolutely love it. |
| you're doing it! The questions that the characters ask | | | | Everyone has some natural talent; they just need to |
| each other will prompt the reader to immediately | | | | find it. I've had serious thoughts of becoming an |
| respond, mentally, and make choices in their own | | | | author for about 15 years, but I guess now was the |
| minds as to what "they" would do in the same | | | | right time to do it. |
| situation. If that doesn't do it, the "Stop & | | | | As for becoming a "real" author, I was at a turning |
| Think" questions at the end of each chapter will | | | | point in my life. My husband passed away suddenly, |
| certainly spark your imagination. | | | | and of course, that brought some difficulties. I had a |
| Another thing I tried to accomplish while writing this | | | | choice: get a job that I'd probably be unhappy with, |
| book was to keep it neutral. There is no mention of | | | | OR go for my goal. I decided to "practice what I |
| any holidays (for anyone of any religion) and the | | | | preach" and go for it. It's taken a lot of work, but if |
| characters are simply described by hair & eye | | | | you believe in yourself, you can do it! If you can be |
| color. Although I did have people in mind while writing | | | | happy with the work you do, then every day |
| the book, I want kids to be able to see themselves. | | | | becomes a wonder, rather than a task. |
| Example: "Joe" is simply described as having very | | | | Tyler: I understand "The Secret Cave" has a |
| dark, curly hair, dark brown eyes, and a darker | | | | forthcoming sequel. Will you tell us a little bit about |
| complexion, which is exactly what my Italian son has. | | | | what we can expect from the sequel? |
| However, any boy of any race might be able to | | | | Lisa: It will be the same cast of characters, this time, |
| picture himself as the character. There goes the | | | | with more involvement from the sisters, now that |
| "imagination" thing again! | | | | they are aware of what's going on. Although the first |
| Tyler: Lisa, your descriptions of how children will be | | | | book has an actual ending, I threw in a cliff-hanger |
| able to see themselves in the characters reminds me | | | | for everyone to think about. The children will return |
| of how children will play out their favorite roles. For | | | | to their vacation spot, this time as "celebrities," but |
| example, I remember pretending to be characters | | | | they will secretly be trying to solve a huge mystery |
| from Star Wars as a child. I have often thought that | | | | without letting anyone else in on it. |
| imaginative child's play was an early form of my | | | | This one will be a little more "creepy," with plenty of |
| becoming a writer. Besides digging for dinosaur bones, | | | | secrets and adventure, chills and thrills, and dangerous |
| what kind of an imaginative world did you live in as a | | | | escapades. The pirates will "visit" the kids, (I won't tell |
| child, and how do you think that has influenced you | | | | you just how), but are they really visiting the children, |
| as a writer? | | | | are the kids dreaming, imagining, or are there ghosts? |
| Lisa: Well, one thing immediately brings me right back | | | | Once again, the "Stop and Think" questions will make |
| to being quite young, maybe six or seven. I would | | | | you wonder. |
| watch TV at night with my parents and many times, | | | | The ending will surprise you, as it's not what you |
| fall asleep on the sofa. But, it was NEVER a sofa to | | | | would completely expect. I'm not 100% sure yet, but |
| me. Sometimes, I was flying high above the ground | | | | I may add a character or two. See, I have this habit |
| on a magic carpet, or on a raft in the ocean. I would | | | | of first writing the beginning, then the ending, and |
| wrap my blankets so that they formed a fin, | | | | then filling in the middle! |
| pretending to be a mermaid, floating on the ocean | | | | Tyler: Lisa, before we go, would you tell our readers |
| floor. Even something as simple as a bath towel | | | | a little bit about your website? I checked it out |
| wasn't a towel to me. It might have been a long, | | | | myself and saw that it contains several attractions |
| flowing gown, and the towel on my head was long, | | | | for your young readers. |
| beautiful hair. Of course, I was a Princess in Hawaii! | | | | Lisa: Oh yes, the website: I'm very proud of it |
| At about age nine (boy, you sure are jogging the | | | | because I designed it myself and do all the website |
| memory banks), I started watching any detective | | | | work. My new motto is "you CAN teach an old dog |
| mystery I could find and by age eleven, there was a | | | | new tricks!" (Remember, I'm over 50 and learned |
| short lived TV series called "Honey West" with Anne | | | | web design without any instruction). |
| Francis as the beautiful detective. That did it, and I've | | | | I have two "kids' pages" so far, with animated clipart |
| loved mystery and adventure ever since. | | | | that relates to the book, with questions and quotes |
| On a more educational note, at age nine, I was | | | | from the book as well. There is a page for jokes and |
| fortunate enough to see the actual "King Tut" exhibit | | | | facts that I update each month, keeping youngsters |
| at a Boston museum. It was the most fascinating | | | | aware of historical events of the month, as well as |
| thing I'd ever seen, and I think that's when I stopped | | | | family friendly jokes (for kids, by kids), all with |
| looking for dinosaur bones and started hoping to find | | | | corresponding clipart. More kids' pages are in the |
| some kind of ancient treasure. (There goes mom's | | | | planning stages. |
| garden again!) | | | | There is a calendar listing of events, photos of |
| Always being able to make things up and "see" | | | | events, and my family, press and reviews, tips for |
| through my mind's eye has certainly been an | | | | teachers, parents, and a "motivate" section. I've |
| influence in becoming a writer, aside from the fact | | | | made it quite personal with family photos, because I |
| that I always did like to write, even as a youngster. | | | | want children to see that I'm a "real, normal" person |
| Tyler: Lisa, am I correct that the children in the | | | | with a regular life. |
| book-I noticed they share your children's names-were | | | | Tyler: I would say you're normal, yet extraordinary, |
| inspired by your own children? What was your | | | | Lisa. Thank you for joining me today. Before we go, |
| children's reaction to their mother becoming an author | | | | do you have any last words you would like to say to |
| and turning them into characters in a book? | | | | your young readers? |
| Lisa: The children in the book are based upon my | | | | Lisa: First, I would like to say to Brianne: "Thank you" |
| own children, and "Ronnie" is actually my sons' best | | | | for seeing the value in "The Secret Cave." I'm so |
| friend (to this day). His name is also "Joe," so we | | | | happy that you enjoyed it. You are a very smart |
| used his middle name. It's so much easier to "picture" | | | | young lady! |
| your characters if they are real people, and trust me, | | | | To the youngsters: Here's a quote to remember |
| the kids really act like the characters in the book. | | | | (although I didn't make it up) |
| "Anna and Emily" were based upon stories told to me | | | | "Whatever the mind can believe, it can achieve." |
| by a friend about two lovely sisters, with very | | | | Keep that attitude in all that you do. |
| different personalities. | | | | As for "The Secret Cave," please get out of it what |
| My "kids," now in their twenties, think it rather | | | | is best for YOU. Perhaps it will inspire you to write, or |
| amusing to read about themselves as they were | | | | just take you away on an adventure. Maybe you'll |
| over ten years ago. They laugh at the characteristics | | | | become a treasure hunter! Please enjoy, and happy |
| of the children, seeing their own personalities as | | | | reading! |
| youngsters. There are some differences, however. | | | | Tyler: Thank you, Lisa. I hope you have lots of |
| Valerie is actually "the baby" and Genevieve is the | | | | success with your future books and the kids love |
| eldest, with Joe stuck in the middle. In the book, | | | | them even more than they already love "The Secret |
| Valerie is older than Joe. I have "thumbs up" from all | | | | Cave. |
| three. | | | | |