The Four Little Children: A Likely Story

By Larry Michalove

Book Overview

During my time away, I included in letters to Sybil stories that she could read to our children. I felt that they would be thrilled to read of adventures that included themselves as the primary characters. Fortunately, Sybil saved all of my letters, which after these many years I have finally compiled. Those times were much more difficult for Sybil than for me. She had to raise four little children and worry about me too. It was even more difficult for her as she was living in a civilian environment where most people's contact with the Vietnam conflict was to read about it in the papers or watch the protests on television. She worried about losing a husband. Family, a few close friends and the nightly news got her through a difficult time in our lives. --from the foreword to The Four Little Children by Larry Michalove

"He didn't write about the war or the 114 combat missions he flew, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight air medals. Instead he wove tales about Martians and moon people and mermaids and the sea." --Tucker McQueen, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Larry Michalove's story deserves a postscript--about how kids all over America are clamoring for his book." --Kathy Kemp, Birmingham News

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595347991
• ISBN13: 9780595347995
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A lot of fun to read

Reviewed by Mathew Feliciano (age 8) for Reader Views (3/08) The story "The Four Little Children" is about four siblings named Lisa, David, Stacy and Karen. They go on wild adventures with their imaginary friend Ramor. Ramor takes the children on the coolest adventures ever!! Ramor was going to take care of the children since their father was at war. Every day he takes the children on a new adventure. The first adventure was over the Pacific Ocean and into a secret cave where they found a pirate ship. All of the pirates were trying to find somewhere to bury their treasure. After the pirates buried their treasure, they went to a hidden city beyond the cave and all of the pirate children ran to come and greet Lisa, David, Stacy and Karen. Some of the other adventures the children went on were being in the circus, going to the North Pole and learning how to drive a dog-lead sled, and riding on a polar bear. Reading this book was like doing all of the things the children did right along with them. It was easy to imagine myself being there and having the same experience and doing the same thing. "The Four Little Children" was a lot of fun to read and was like being in another world.

An excellent book for children!

Genre: Children's fiction Title: The Four Little Children: A Likely Story AUTHOR: Larry Michalove In this age of excessive violence in entertainment being directed at younger and younger children, the quest for simple, imaginative stories for kids is next to impossible. "The Four Little Children" gives a parent a fun, and safe, alternative for the smallest of their family. In 1970, Larry Michalove left for Vietnam, leaving his wife to take care of his 4 young children. To maintain his bond with his kids, he wrote them letters containing a chapter of the adventures of the four children with their magical friend, Ramor. With safety guaranteed, they visit outer space, pirate ships, and even a bee's hive. Each journey is filled with innocent excitement and joy, teaching small lessons and showing genuine childlike kindheartedness. The most striking feature of the writing is the care and paternal love that permeates every page. The voice of the narrator is warm and safe, with gentle humor. The children are a breathe of fresh air, with their sincere appreciation and delight. This would make a wonderful first chapter book for parents to read to their kids from preschool age up to perhaps six or seven years old. Larry Michalove has left not only a valuable legacy for his children, but also for his nine grandchildren. He currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife Sybil. I cannot think of a greater endorsement for a children's book than to say I look forward to reading "The Four Little Children" to my own kids. Reviewer: Nancy Morris, Allbooks Reviews.

Happy Mother

I loved reading these stories to my two little boys. They are too young to read, and this book was perfect for bedtime stories. I read a couple each night, and the stories were so exciting that it kept them wanting to hear more. The pictures are excellent and give my boys a chance to use their imagination. Ramor takes the children on magical adventures and in the process taught my kids about new experiences and indirectly taught the children how to be good, thoughtful people. I highly recommend this book to children of all ages!

My Kids Loved it!!!

I purchased this book for my two daughters, ages 7 and 10. We have been reading the story at bedtime and have thoroughly enjoyed the exciting adventures that Ramor takes the children on while their father is away at war. They especially enjoyed the adventure to the North Pole and Under the Sea. I personally enjoyed the story of the ants and bees as I was able to talk to my kids about the benefits of hard work and getting along. As a parent, I feel Mr. Michalove made "The Four Children" both educational while exciting. I strongly recommend that all children ages 5-13 will benefit from the excellent adventures Mr. Michalove has created!! It will also provide parents an opportunity to read to their children.