The Scouts are having a holiday party to show off their musical talents. Molly plans to sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” And Rachel wants to perform Hanukkah songs on the piano.
But not all the Scouts are ready for the concert. Sonny hates the violin so much, he’d rather run away from home than play it! He disappears, and the Pee Wees have to work together to find their friend. Can they bring Sonny home for the holidays?
Born on May 6th in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy Delton lived in her hometown for most of her life. She wrote more than one hundred books for children, including the popular Pee Wee Scouts series, which sold more than seven million copies. Her writing was often compared to Beverly Cleary or Carolyn Haywood for her ability to capture the essence of childhood.
For many years, Ms. Delton taught writing classes in her home. Today, those writers are having their own books published and remember her forthright instruction and critique with appreciation. Many writers have benefited from her handbook, The 29 Most Common Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.
Ms. Delton had four children and decided to quit teaching so she could stay home and raise them. Writing prolifically was her way of supporting her family. She died very suddenly of a blood infection in December of 2001. Her legions of friends and all those she taught were greatly saddened.
This addition to the Pee Wee Scouts series is about the Scouts earning their music badge. Sonny is miserable about having to take violin lessons. When he gets teased about the lessons, he runs away. Molly is a sympathetic friend and helps Sonny out. It would have been a stronger story if there had been some discussion about how the others treat Sonny. However, young readers can relate to all the emotions that are stirred up by having to perform in public.