Biff and Becka's Stupendous Vacation
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Biff looked at his sister as her mouth dropped open. His stomach felt like a tight ball as he stared at his father, then at his mother. No vacation? He stood still. This couldn’t be true.
“What? We have to go on vacation; we always go on vacation before school starts. I already told Clancy we’re going to the beach,” Biff protested. Thoughts raced through his head. This must be a bad dream. This can’t be happening. What will I tell Clancy? And after I promised him a nifty souvenir, too!
“Yes, I know we always did, but things are different right now. I’m thankful to still have a job; other workers lost their jobs,” his father explained. “We need to save money everywhere we can. I’m sorry to upset you so much.”
In a quiet voice, Mom looked at Biff and Becka and said, “We already spoke with Uncle Neil and Aunt Clara, Granddad and Grandma Rhodes and your Sullivan grandparents about cancelling our beach vacation. I’m disappointed too that we won’t be able to take our vacation this year as always. I hope you can try to understand how things are.”
Biff looked at the living room rug as he sat on the couch and put his head between his hands. “What are we going to do, Dad? Couldn’t we at least go somewhere?”
Becka brushed a tear from her eye and her lip quivered. “I have some money in my savings bank,” she offered. “It’s on the shelf in my room.”
“I have some, too,” Biff added as he felt hope rise in him just a bit. “I’ll bet I have thirty dollars!”
“That’s so kind of you both to offer your savings, but it still would not be enough. Not going to the beach doesn’t mean we can’t have any vacation. Perhaps we can try to think of having a different kind of vacation,” Mother said in a gentle voice. “I’ve recently read of an idea called a staycation. . .”
“No! I don’t want to hear it!” Biff shouted. He put his fingers into his long ears, got up, stomped to the living room window and looked out into the night. The darkness outside was just the right color to match his mood. Why did Dad have to get a cut in pay just now? He jammed his fists into his pants pockets. They always went to the beach on vacation with their cousins and had the best of fun together. Now it seemed there would be no vacation at all. It just wasn’t fair!
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About the Book
Biff’s anticipated family vacation takes an unexpected turn. How will he deal with bitter disappointment? Is his summer ruined? Will he be humiliated by his friends?
In interesting twists and turns, the author takes Biff and his rabbit family through a trying time that has a surprising outcome. Engaging questions for each chapter at the end encourage lively discussion between your child or grandchild and you.
The author paints a picture of a godly home to give encouragement and guidance to parents who struggle and kids who hurt.
Biff and Becka’s Stupendous Vacation helps your child know how to deal with disappointment. It also helps children relate to family and friends with honesty and respect.
About the Author
Elaine received a diploma from the Institute of Children’s Literature for completion of the Special Publishing Course in 1992. A member of the Northern Virginia Christian Writers Fellowship, she also attended the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference in August 2011.
Elaine writes poetry and has written and taught Bible studies for women in her church; she does freelance writing as well. She feels compelled to write books for children in a way that will help change the family and our culture. Elaine enjoys reading, writing poetry, cooking, entertaining, and ministering in prayer to those who are hurting.
She and her husband, Dave, have been married for forty-five years; they have three children and four grandchildren. They lead The Upper Room Life Group at Manassas Assembly of God in Bristow, Virginia, and live in Manassas, Virginia.