Too-Tall Sam

While visiting Israel a few years ago I purchased an olive wood nativity set. It is displayed in my family room, accessible to grandchildren all the time. Madison, my youngest grandchild, was playing with the set and became upset because the camel was too tall to go into the stable with all the other characters. I quickly responded, "Oh, poor Sam (the name just popped into my head!). I guess he will just have to wait outside. Poor, too tall Sam." Immediately, I knew this idea would make a great children's story. Madison, was going to enter 1st grade in the fall so I decided to write the story in controlled language for emerging readers. Madison was the first 1st grader to read the story. I have also included her drawings of "Sam, the too tall camel" and his family.