27 Comments
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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Great job Bill. Enjoyed this. The King will be colorful in the fall but come winter, when the leaves drop...yikes. Haha. - Jim

Bill Adler's avatar

Thanks, Jim. I hadn't thought about that those side effects, but I like that he'll change colors in the fall.

Sharron Bassano's avatar

I loved this line, Bill: β€œIt worked,” the king said, his words muffled and mumbled because his lips were twigs and his tongue a poplar leaf." Poor King. Now crows will be nesting in his branches.

Bill Adler's avatar

The king is in for a lot of unpleasant surprises, I'm afraid. Caterpillars, too.

That's one of my favorite lines, as well.

M.E. Proctor's avatar

You know, I had a feeling.... :)

Cajingo Quidel's avatar

Ah, so he's king of the forest now. I loved the novel and original idea of disguising him as a tree in the forest.

Bill Adler's avatar

Thank you, Cajingo. I'm glad you enjoyed this little tale.

K.C. Knouse's avatar

Well, the boy never said he could undo a spell. Perfect ending. Bill. Congratulations on your interesting interview with Jim Wilsky.

Bill Adler's avatar

Thank you K.C. I enjoyed created this character and I'm glad you liked the story. The interview with Jim was fun!

Linda Jean McCrea's avatar

I loved this story. Children are people, too. Woe to those who forget…

The connected stories give insight into many other things.

Bill Adler's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Linda. I love the connections, too.

Nick Winney's avatar

haha! nice one! surely there's time to learn... and if not... hes naked come autumn...

Bill Adler's avatar

Thanks, Nick. I'm glad you liked Just a Boy. Autumn is going to be an unpleasant time for the king.

Kim Smyth's avatar

What a perfect ending!

Bill Adler's avatar

Thank you very much, Kim.

Jeannine Lawall's avatar

Ha! Kings should be nice to little boys. Especially when they're future powerful magicians! πŸ˜‚

Bill Adler's avatar

That is sage advice.

Jennifer Peaslee's avatar

Haha! Loved that ending.

Bill Adler's avatar

Thank you, Jennifer. I happy to hear that.

Heron's avatar

Loved this!

Bill Adler's avatar

Thanks, Lee. I'm glad you enjoyed Just a Boy.

Stories Sown With Hope's avatar

I almost saw that coming! lol!