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The Crayon Messages: A Visiting Teaching Adventure
A lonely visiting teacher with a tough assignment convinces the sisters in her ward to write notes to an older woman in a nursing home who has a sleeping disorder. What happens next will change all of these women's lives forever.
120 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
56 people want to read
About the author
Christine Thackeray
15 books16 followersI am just your average mom with seven kids and a sink full of dishes, always running late and alleviating all that angst by writing.
My first book The Crayon Messages: A Visiting Teaching Adventure was written in a whirlwind. I got the idea and just pounded it out in a matter of a few very messy weeks. Then my sister and I partnered in a new book about C.S. Lewis and his religious allegory called C.S. Lewis: Latter Day Truths in Narnia.
Currently, I'm working on the next visiting teaching adventure and then hope to expand and do some historical fiction.
My first book The Crayon Messages: A Visiting Teaching Adventure was written in a whirlwind. I got the idea and just pounded it out in a matter of a few very messy weeks. Then my sister and I partnered in a new book about C.S. Lewis and his religious allegory called C.S. Lewis: Latter Day Truths in Narnia.
Currently, I'm working on the next visiting teaching adventure and then hope to expand and do some historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 6, 2017
This is one of those books that is so easy to read because it feels so familiar. Like you're reading your own life. Uplifting and inspiring, yet down-to-earth and real. Christine Thackeray pulls no punches when it comes to describing the everyday trials of an LDS (Mormon) mother. Because it isn't sugar-coated, you feel like you can really relate to Cath and her struggles to deal with a move to a new area, a new ward, teenagers, and feelings of doubt and low self-worth. As the story progresses, you find yourself cheering Cath on and in the end, you share in her triumphs. You find yourself strengthened and encouraged to face your own trials, with the knowledge that Heavenly Father truly has a plan for each of us, if we but pray for His guidance in our lives.
March 5, 2009
A good friend wanted me to read this book to see if it was a good one to send to her Mom, and it was a cute LDS Fiction. Way too perfect tied with a big bow over all the problems, but overall a fun little book that required no thinking but still pretty good compared to other books in the same genre.
April 10, 2008
This book was written by the YW President in my ward and was to be called...”The Sleeping Visiting Teaching Companion”. But when released the publisher more appropriately titled it “The Crayon Messages: An Adventure in Visiting Teaching”.
It is a sweet book full of hope and effort from one motivating women. If you have ever been told just to send a note to those you visit teach Cath will inspire you to do much more. Maybe you’ll visit them and leave some Crayon Messages of your own!
A quick easy read with just over 100 pages...I read it one morning in just a couple of hours. The author is a sweet, busy mother, with a thousand ideas! You will like the way she writes and relates us mom's trying to get by in the real world!
Synopsis from the publisher at Cedarfort.com:
“Cath Reed has been feeling desperately lonely. With a husband alway traveling, a daughter on the brink and still adjusting to her new ward, she hopes her new visiting teaching route will bring some much needed companionship. Then she finds out she has been given the hardest visiting teaching route ever with the surly inactive Bishop's wife at the top of the list. At least her companion Gwen seemed nice, an older woman in a nursing home who said no one had visited her in years.
Using this to her advantage, Cath calls her new sisters and convinces them to cheer Gwen up. Surprisingly most agree but when Cath arrives at the Pleasant Valley Home for the Elderly she is disappointed to find Gwen fast asleep. Apparently Gwen has a sleeping disorder called KSL and no one knows when she will wake up- it could be weeks. Armed with a bucket of crayons and a handful of paper, Cath convinces the sisters to write Gwen notes so when she does wake up, she'll know some cares. What no one guessed is that Gwen would write back and change all of these women's lives forever.”
It is a sweet book full of hope and effort from one motivating women. If you have ever been told just to send a note to those you visit teach Cath will inspire you to do much more. Maybe you’ll visit them and leave some Crayon Messages of your own!
A quick easy read with just over 100 pages...I read it one morning in just a couple of hours. The author is a sweet, busy mother, with a thousand ideas! You will like the way she writes and relates us mom's trying to get by in the real world!
Synopsis from the publisher at Cedarfort.com:
“Cath Reed has been feeling desperately lonely. With a husband alway traveling, a daughter on the brink and still adjusting to her new ward, she hopes her new visiting teaching route will bring some much needed companionship. Then she finds out she has been given the hardest visiting teaching route ever with the surly inactive Bishop's wife at the top of the list. At least her companion Gwen seemed nice, an older woman in a nursing home who said no one had visited her in years.
Using this to her advantage, Cath calls her new sisters and convinces them to cheer Gwen up. Surprisingly most agree but when Cath arrives at the Pleasant Valley Home for the Elderly she is disappointed to find Gwen fast asleep. Apparently Gwen has a sleeping disorder called KSL and no one knows when she will wake up- it could be weeks. Armed with a bucket of crayons and a handful of paper, Cath convinces the sisters to write Gwen notes so when she does wake up, she'll know some cares. What no one guessed is that Gwen would write back and change all of these women's lives forever.”
May 18, 2009
I think this book would have been much more successful if the author had not tried to have so many different things going on. I know that this was, in part, the point of the book - we all seem to have ten million things going at once, but finding time for reaching out to each other is still vital in the midst of all that; however, it felt like the message of finding consolation in being a stressed-out mom wasn't balanced very well with the message of Visiting Teaching. I really wanted to know more about the sisters she touched in her "Visiting Teaching Adventure," but they fell into the background as the story focused more on her family, her ward, and the missionary experiences she was having.
It was also kind of depressing - to the point of irritating - that her ward was painted as so horribly, entirely bad. Everyone was mean to her, everyone was critical and cruel. Almost all the nice people she met were outside the church rather than in it - rather than being balanced, at least. I'm very glad to say that, when I moved to a brand new state and ward a while back, this was not the kind of reception I received. Of course there are people that don't get along or that rub one another the wrong way... but this woman was so put upon that it made the story unbelievable to me.
I liked it - it did warrant three stars. I enjoyed the Visiting Teaching aspect of the story, especially the whole concept of the crayon messages she left for her companion. I wish that the charming and uplifting aspects of the plot had stayed the focus and been more developed.
It was also kind of depressing - to the point of irritating - that her ward was painted as so horribly, entirely bad. Everyone was mean to her, everyone was critical and cruel. Almost all the nice people she met were outside the church rather than in it - rather than being balanced, at least. I'm very glad to say that, when I moved to a brand new state and ward a while back, this was not the kind of reception I received. Of course there are people that don't get along or that rub one another the wrong way... but this woman was so put upon that it made the story unbelievable to me.
I liked it - it did warrant three stars. I enjoyed the Visiting Teaching aspect of the story, especially the whole concept of the crayon messages she left for her companion. I wish that the charming and uplifting aspects of the plot had stayed the focus and been more developed.
November 30, 2014
This is the write up here. Cath Reed has been feeling desperately lonely. With a husband alway, a daughter on the brink and adjusting to her new ward, she hopes her new visiting teaching route will bring much needed companionship. Then she finds out she has been given the hardest visiting teaching route ever with the inactive Bishop's wife at the top of the list. At least her companion Gwen seemed nice, an older woman in a nursing home whom no one had visited in years. Using this to her advantage, Cath calls her new sisters and convinces them to cheer Gwen up. Most agree, but when Cath arrives at the Pleasant Valley Home for the Elderly she is disappointed to find Gwen fast asleep. Apparently Gwen has a sleeping disorder called KSL and no one knows when she will wake up—it could be weeks. Armed with a bucket of crayons and a handful of paper, Cath convinces the sisters to write Gwen notes so when she does wake up, she'll know some cares. What no one guessed is that Gwen would write back and change these women's lives forever. My view of this book is a wonderful reminder how very important visiting teaching is and what a true calling of service it is. I think you will enjoy this simple easy yet powerful read.
April 25, 2010
This was a quick read. I was hooked almost from the moment I saw the cover & the title intrigued me also. And what did visiting teaching have to do with crayon messages??
I work at a newspaper that is connected to a bookstore. I went out into the bookstore before the production day began & took it back to my desk to look at it. I found myself sneaking peeks at it during lulls in my work. I've worked there for 12 years & I have NEVER done that before. I finally had to remove it from my sight.
It was wonderful. I think you almost have to be LDS though to understand the "culture" & some of the terms. Luckily I had heard of "Joy School" or I would have had to look that one up.
ETA: This is a fairy tale. How many women would go to the lengths that Cath did to get 100%. She wasn't just out for the numbers, she truly cared. She was given 6 inactive women to teach. "Just send a letter." She got 100% face-to-face visits. Not only that, she reactivates 2 inactives, her daughter comes back from the brink, she can claim 2 converts & gets a teacher demoted to school cafeteria. Go Cath!!! Like I said, it is a fairy tale.
I work at a newspaper that is connected to a bookstore. I went out into the bookstore before the production day began & took it back to my desk to look at it. I found myself sneaking peeks at it during lulls in my work. I've worked there for 12 years & I have NEVER done that before. I finally had to remove it from my sight.
It was wonderful. I think you almost have to be LDS though to understand the "culture" & some of the terms. Luckily I had heard of "Joy School" or I would have had to look that one up.
ETA: This is a fairy tale. How many women would go to the lengths that Cath did to get 100%. She wasn't just out for the numbers, she truly cared. She was given 6 inactive women to teach. "Just send a letter." She got 100% face-to-face visits. Not only that, she reactivates 2 inactives, her daughter comes back from the brink, she can claim 2 converts & gets a teacher demoted to school cafeteria. Go Cath!!! Like I said, it is a fairy tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2011
This book was a treasure to read. It does have the typical LDS tone, but the message within the book was just plain cute. I like description of the Organ, and the way she wrote it I felt myself wishing I could hear it, instead of reading about it.
This book is an easy read. About a woman named Cath who is trying to fit in her new ward. Three months of one devastating moment after another, she finds herself wanting to pack up her family and move back to Utah. Decides against it only when an little old Sleeping Beauty, and her Relief Society tells her of all of the good she has done in the past three months.
This book is an easy read. About a woman named Cath who is trying to fit in her new ward. Three months of one devastating moment after another, she finds herself wanting to pack up her family and move back to Utah. Decides against it only when an little old Sleeping Beauty, and her Relief Society tells her of all of the good she has done in the past three months.
January 27, 2010
Have you ever been lonely in a new place? Had your well-meaning actions misunderstood? Worried about an errant teen? Wondered if your best would ever be good enough?
Then you can relate to Cath, the main character in "Crayon Messages" by Christine Thackeray. Despite the many challenges facing this mother of four, we can all feel inspired by her persistence. You'll laugh out loud as she battles toilet-papering teens, hot fudge, and her fears.
This book is as fun to read as it is encouraging. I loved the characters, and hope the author writes a sequel.
Then you can relate to Cath, the main character in "Crayon Messages" by Christine Thackeray. Despite the many challenges facing this mother of four, we can all feel inspired by her persistence. You'll laugh out loud as she battles toilet-papering teens, hot fudge, and her fears.
This book is as fun to read as it is encouraging. I loved the characters, and hope the author writes a sequel.
January 30, 2013
I could totally relate to this book at this time in my life, I have also moved to a new area and have had a real struggle feeling like I have friends that know me in the new ward although I keep trying to do my best just like the main character and it really helped me look at it in a more positive light. I didn't give it 5 stars because the ending does seem to wrap up too perfectly and unrealistically, but otherwise a really cute and inspiring book that also makes me want to be better at Visiting Teaching!
July 24, 2008
Christine Thackeray did an excellent job with this book. In a heart warming way she reminds of the importance of Visiting Teaching, and how if we listen to the spirit, we will be able to meet the needs of our sisters or any others we come into contact with. Sometimes we just never know the full extent of our touch on someone, by just listening.
Makes you want to get out those crayons, and start writing.
Good Read
Makes you want to get out those crayons, and start writing.
Good Read
January 9, 2009
I loved how this book really made me think about visiting teaching in a different way. I wish that it were non-fiction because I would love to pass it around my ward. Still I might recommend it to others because I think if people thought about visiting teaching more like the person in this story amazing things would start to happen all over the place.
The book was easy to read and quick. I wish it would have been developed a little more, but maybe keeping it short is a good thing.
The book was easy to read and quick. I wish it would have been developed a little more, but maybe keeping it short is a good thing.
April 13, 2009
Wow took a while to get back here and comment on this. First of all id did not take me months and months to read. I think I finished it in less then three days. (It's a short book) Overall I liked it. Light and fluffy. The story kept a good pace and I was often reading one more chapter to see what was going to happen. I am more partial, however to longer reads so it lost a few points with me there.
June 22, 2012
Cute story, quick read. I felt that the author tried to characature different personalities in LDS culture - much like Joni Hilton), but they were a little too real and not as funny. The fact that there were so many rude and uncaring people in her ward wasn't quite realistic to me. However, the story was thoughtful and sweet.
February 26, 2015
I really liked the idea of this book. Cath was a great character with an honest heart and giving spirit. I loved her idea of the crayon messages that she left for Gwen. What a sweat idea! Gwen felt like she was remembered and also Cath gained a much needed friend. I think we can all relate to the busyness of Cath's life and feeling pulled in lots of different directions. If we can just remember to serve others than I think that will give us perspective and we'll be happy.
June 17, 2008
Visiting teaching assignment with a companion who can't stay awake, literally. Cath's new to her ward and having a hard time with feeling accepted, a husband who is traveling on business, and raising children.
October 26, 2009
This was a great book and an easy read. I read it in about 3 hours. It has a great message about finding happiness within yourself not relying on others for you happiness. I related very well with the main Character "Cath". Good read.
February 10, 2010
This is more of a short story than a novel. A super quick read that I really enjoyed. Helped me to look at my own culture and the way I treat, and often judge others. I guess I liked that it helped me remind me to stop doing that!
November 20, 2010
I didn't care much for the main character (can't even remember her name)and thought the way she dealt with problems showed weak mental capacity even though the author clearly thought she "showing the way" for women in the church. Can't say I learned much from the book.
July 5, 2008
Pretty humorous in parts. Wasn't the greatest writing, but short and enjoyable.
March 2, 2009
I don't usually do this, but I didn't even finish this book. Someone recommended this to me, but it was way too dramatic for my taste. Sorry.
November 5, 2009
Another typical Mormon fiction book. A great Sunday afternoon book. Totally predictable, and all tied up with a nice big bow at the end kind of book.
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December 9, 2009This was a quick read. It was cute and uplifting about how we can make a difference with our own unique personality.
December 10, 2009
Fun and uplifting.
February 19, 2010
It was okay. It was too cheesy and very unlikely. It was a fast read, but I was expecting something different.
March 16, 2010
A quick read and got me thinking about issues of personality, callings and the difference we can make.
October 12, 2010
This was a cute quick read.
December 1, 2010
A fast read (I read it in 3 hours) and a beautiful book. I love the message that it had to share.
February 19, 2011
I loved this book it reminded me that doing good works is still awesome. That you can reach out to others no matter the circumstances.
June 14, 2011
Loved the book. Most of everything it talked about I've been feeling and was really able to relate too. Just what I needed and I finished in less than a day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews