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Thorndyke Thoughts: You've Got Mail

Two letters received by Thorndyke the Bear in July 2020

 

Hey Kids,

You might know how exciting it is to get letters in the mail. It is a great way to stay connected to people you love, and a fun way to be creative as well. I am so delighted because I got mail this summer: an extra special envelope with ONE letter and ONE super cool drawing. The letter was bittersweet (that means both happy and sad) because I was glad to read that I am missed, but I am also upset that I have not been able to see any of you. The drawing was super cool because it reminded me of a trip I took many years ago to the Novi Public Library when I saw a racecar IN PERSON. 

The fact is, I miss all of you. I miss hearing about the books you are reading, I miss seeing you put on puppet shows, I miss watching you say hello to the fish (they are lonely, too). I miss meeting brand new patrons and I really miss seeing my old friends. It is really hard to stay cheerful even though there has been a lot that I am thankful for, like the sunny days of summer, the wildlife that roams around the library, the library staff who are working so hard to keep the library shipshape for your return. So sometimes I am sad.

But getting a piece of mail has reminded me that one day I will see you all again, and I continue to look forward to that day. In the meantime, I have included some photos from the archive that might be of interest and of course, some books you might like about sending and receiving letters.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke the Bear at the Novi Public Library next to a racecar
Thorndyke the Bear dressed as Princess Leia with some patron friends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured: ; Thorndyke dressed as Princess Leia in 2016 with some patron friends; Thorndyke at the Novi Public Library next to a racecar

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Letters from Bear by Gauthier David

Bear can't imagine a whole winter without her friend, so when Bird migrates south, Bear decides to follow. She's never left the forest before, but that won't stop her from crossing oceans and mountains--and sending letters along the way. But a surprise is waiting for Bear on the beach...

The lonely Mailman by Susanna Isern

Each day, the old mailman faithfully delivers special letters to the forest animals. But the mailman has never received any letters of his own. Then one day everything changes. This touching story of friendship and love will delight readers and letter writers of all ages.

Herman's letter by Tom Percival

Herman the bear and Henry the raccoon are best friends. But Henry's moving far, far away! So what do they do? Promise to write each other all the time and stay best friends forever, that's what. But being pen-pals is easier said than done, especially when your best friend seems to be having way more fun than you are. . . .

Dear Yeti by James Kwan

Two young hikers set out to look for Yeti one day, and with the help of a bird friend, they trek deep into the woods, sending letters to coax the shy creature out of hiding. But as their trip goes on, the hikers find that food supplies are low, the forest is getting darker, and a snowstorm looms.

Off & away by Cale Atkinson

How would you get mail if you lived in the middle of the sea? It's Jo's dad's job to deliver it, taking bottles wherever they need to go. He always comes home with exciting stories to tell-but Jo is far too afraid to go out on the ocean herself. Until Dad gets a bad sea cold, that is. With no one but Jo to deliver the bottles, she must find her courage and set sail alone.

The pencil by Susan Avingaq

Susan and her sister love watching their mother write letters to people in other camps. Their mother has one precious pencil, and she keeps it safe in her box for special things. One afternoon, their mother is away and Susan and her siblings are left home with their father. They play all their regular games but are soon out of things to do--until their father brings out the pencil! 

Check out the Send a Postcard square on our 62 Ways to do 62 Days path.

If you'd like to connect with Thorndyke, find out how on our CPL Connect square.