Hello from Melissa Henderson in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. I was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. I married my husband Alan in 1979 and since then, we’ve lived in various parts of Virginia, North Carolina, and now South Carolina. Alan and I moved to SC about four years ago to be near our son, daughter-in-love, and first grand baby. Now there are two
grandbabies. We are glad we made the move to the low country.
When people meet me, they will often ask why I’m so happy. I am filled with the joy of the Lord and that joy makes me smile.
Our family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons” because something funny is
always happening to us. The Lord provides many moments for laughter and joy.
My latest book for children is “Grumpy the Gator”. Here in the low country of SC, we are
surrounded by ponds. Almost every neighborhood has a pond with an alligator. I wanted to write a story to help children be aware of the gators. Even though God created all the animals, we still need to be safe and not approach the gators.
Grumpy the Gator by Melissa Henderson
Living in the Lowcountry gives the opportunity to see many kinds of wildlife. From fish to
turtles to dolphins jumping in the ocean, every day can be filled with beautiful sights and sounds. While playing outside, friends notice an alligator swimming in the pond across the street. Deciding not to get close to the water, the friends run home to alert the adults. Parents see the alligator and remind everyone to stay away from the pond.
The children decide to name the gator “Grumpy the Gator” because of the grouchy look he gives them when swimming away.
God created alligators, too. We need to be safe and stay away from the gators. They want to be
left alone. In Grumpy the Gator, we are reminded to be careful around alligators. Always tell an adult when we see a gator.
One thing I found challenging about writing this book is making sure that when children read the story, they remember not to get near alligators. The ponds near our home can have gators hidden in the grass at the edge of the water. I wanted to make sure the story was used as a precaution and not an invitation to get near the gators.
Have you seen an alligator up close? Perhaps in a pond, or in a wildlife exhibit. Were you afraid?
While taking a walk one day, my husband Alan, and I saw a gator on the other side of a pond. We kept walking. When we returned on the same path, the gator was gone. We thought it was in the water. But, we soon realized the gator was close to us, sitting on the grass. That gator had swam across the pond and was now sunning itself next to the sidewalk. Our pace quickened and we were soon away from the large creature. Whew! That was scary. Everything was fine and once calmed, we laughed about the experience.
Comment below and share an alligator story (or other wildlife since not everyone lives in alligator territory). I know there are interesting ones out there. :)
Award winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Melissa Henderson, Award Winning Author
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Thank you for the opportunity to share.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson