Toby, the Almost Forgotten Toboggan

About the Book

Granny and Grandpa invite their grandchildren, Jimmy and Julie, to visit them for an “Old Fashioned Christmas” at the family farmhouse in Vermont where Granny grew up. It’s not long after Jimmy and Julie arrive from California, that they become very unhappy and bored. “There is nothing to do here”, they exclaim. There’s no TV, DVD, Internet not even a telephone. Plus their Grandparents made a rule that no iPads be used! Suddenly, a loud crash is heard above the grandkids bedroom. Jimmy and Julie are frightened. Granny and Grandpa decide to investigate. All of them carefully climb up the stairs into the attic with Grandpa leading the way, flashlight in hand. The light shines on the cause of the noise. Granny discovers her outdoor winter friends, Toby the Toboggan and Sally the Sled, have fallen over. With the help of Granny’s old winter friends, Jimmy and Julie experience “The best Old Christmas ever!”

About the Author

Karen Votraw-Gysen has 40 years experience in education as an English teacher, Nationally Board Certified counselor and program administrator. During her career she served on numerous professional & non-profit organizations. She has presented at State, Regional and National Conventions. She has been published in a variety of local and regional magazines. Her article in Adirondack Life magazine was also published in the magazine’s first 10 year anthology Adirondack Places and Pleasures. She has volunteered in local fundraising events and children’s programs. Additionally, she loves to travel with her husband, and is an avid camper & canoeist working at one time for CANOE, USA and Voyageur Outward Bound. In 2007, she was appointed by the Governor of Nevada to serve as a member of the Commission on Professional Standards in Education. Her goal in retirement is to amuse herself and children through writing.