The Three Wise Animals
an Epiphany poem by Maxwell Corydon Wheat, Jr.
Illustrations by Alice Melzer
20 pages

This holiday tale tells of the journey to the manger . . . through the eyes and hearts of a Fox, a Blue Jay, and an Owl. Charming illustrations make this a keepsake for the whole family, as well as anyone with a love of Nature and a  connection with those who traverse the terrain, whether by land or air. Though mostly for kids, adults too will delight in this refreshing reminder of both the Epiphany holiday, as well as what it means to have an epiphany “a sudden intuitive perception of or insight into the  reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.” (dictionary.com)

The story begins . . .

  "Guess what I saw last night,"
  trills Enrico the Screech Owl,
  (who does not screech, but trills softly),
  looking out his hole in the big oak tree
  after listening for tiny mouse sounds all night.

  "I know what you saw,"
  barks Ferris the Red Fox,
  looking out his den under the same big oak tree
  after sniffing for tiny rabbit scents all night.

  "So do I! So do I!" screams Blue Scream the Blue
  Jay who has risen after sleeping all night.

  "And I can see it! I can see it!" Blue Scream   
  screams.

  He points the tip of his left wing toward the hugely
  bright star half way up the blue sky . . .

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Maxwell Corydon Wheat, Jr., first Poet Laureate, Nassau County, New York -- 2007-09, teaches a Continuing Education course for the Farmingdale (NY) School System, "You Can Write Poetry!" and teaches for Taproot Workshops, Inc., writing for people 50 and more. He was named Long Island Poet of the Year for 2003 by the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association.

Alice Melzer, artist and educator, is an instructor for the Professional Studies Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and in the Continuing  Education Program at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY. She holds a  Master of Science degree in Art Education from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY.

The cover and text are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed without chlorine, FSC Certified, manufactured with Green-E certified renewable wind energy or windpower, acid-free/archival. Colored paper, minimum 30% post- consumer recycled fiber, acid free. These are saddle-stitched (stapled) chapbooks.
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Copyright © 2010-2013 Maxwell Corydon Wheat, Jr. - text
Copyright © 2010-2013 Alice Melzer - illustrations

Website © 2003-2013 Walter E. Harris III