Bonus Episode 83

[Greatwyrm]

It's always fun to finally track down one of those "white whale" items. There's a book my wife remembers from her childhood that I've never even been able to find proof was published. Been hunting that one for 25 years.

[Wayne]

It's always fun to finally track down one of those "white whale" items. There's a book my wife remembers from her childhood that I've never even been able to find proof was published. Been hunting that one for 25 years.

What are the details?

[GinDragon]

I have one of those!

Unfortunately it was a generic fantasy novel I read as a kid that I either lent out or lost, and don't remember the name of, so there's almost zero chance I'll ever find it, considering there are thousands of them.

[Greatwyrm]

It's always fun to finally track down one of those "white whale" items. There's a book my wife remembers from her childhood that I've never even been able to find proof was published. Been hunting that one for 25 years.

What are the details?

Not much, I'm afraid. It was a kids' book about different kinds of families. When my wife was a little girl, she sent in an essay and they included it in the book.

The publisher was The Flying Pencil Press. It's a very small operation that comes back to a PO Box in Elgin, IL. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I just discovered the address recently.

Based on the story she tells me, I'm thinking it was probably published in the mid 80s.

She told me the title was "Free to be a Family", but I'm fairly certain that's not right. There's a similar book from about the same time with that name, but it was by a mainstream publisher and had a number of celebrities (at the time) involved. I think she's confusing the two.

Anyhow, she told me about this years ago. She said she was supposed to get a comp copy, but it never turned up. I'd love to surprise her with one. If anybody on here has a copy or can find one, I'd love it.

[Wayne]

It's always fun to finally track down one of those "white whale" items. There's a book my wife remembers from her childhood that I've never even been able to find proof was published. Been hunting that one for 25 years.

What are the details?

Not much, I'm afraid. It was a kids' book about different kinds of families. When my wife was a little girl, she sent in an essay and they included it in the book.

The publisher was The Flying Pencil Press. It's a very small operation that comes back to a PO Box in Elgin, IL. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I just discovered the address recently.

Based on the story she tells me, I'm thinking it was probably published in the mid 80s.

She told me the title was "Free to be a Family", but I'm fairly certain that's not right. There's a similar book from about the same time with that name, but it was by a mainstream publisher and had a number of celebrities (at the time) involved. I think she's confusing the two.

Anyhow, she told me about this years ago. She said she was supposed to get a comp copy, but it never turned up. I'd love to surprise her with one. If anybody on here has a copy or can find one, I'd love it.

Are you sure it is an actual book. The company did magazines with content from kids. I know that would make it even harder to find. Another lead for you is that Charlotte Towner Graeber was the editor and possibly owner. She is the only person on the Illinois business registry. She is also an author. Might be a good path to go down. The company printed a book of children submitted poems and essays called "creatures unlimited"

[Greatwyrm]

That name is a new lead. Thank you!