NO EXCUSES FOR THE SKUNK by Mary Alice Baumgardner Ms. Nanny Goat tells her students at The Red Barn School it is important they make a good impression at The First Family Day Event. Little does she ever suspect the impact those words will have on the kids, but not for themselves. They are worried someone might make fun of the impression their parents make Throughout the week before The Program, those same parents confide their worries to Ms. Goat about the "impressions" their children might make. Realizing both students and parents need a refresher lesson about acceptance, Ms. Goat writes some fun songs. From these songs, the students discover they are each "unique, one-of-a-kind " And, from their makeshift stage, they share this message with friends and family. In Ms. Goat's Note to her readers, she declares: ..".Folks cared about the differences 'the others' just might find Because sometimes 'the others' could be a bit unkind. Those unkind ones don't understand they're like a certain bee That doesn't know that when it stings, it hurts itself, you see. But do you know inside of us, we're each the very same We all have bones and cells and blood, a heart, lungs and a brain? Oh, yes, outside we differ, that is surely true. Yet each of us is special ... with a special task to do ..." Yes, Ms. Nanny Goat teaches her students and their parents an important life lesson: by acknowledging and accepting uniqueness, there is no need to "make excuses." Through brilliant illustrations and awhimsical cast of animal characters, this delightful allegory teaches children about being unique. Watch for the release of "No Excuses for the Skunk " as a musical for children's theatre. For further information, contact the author at: baumgarm@embarqmail.com "Charming with nuggets of tickles. Rarely has a valuable lesson been so much fun." -Jerry Spinelli (Author of Maniac Magee)"