Cast of Characters

Raymond

“My name is R-A-Y-M-O-N-D. I’m 5 and I like to read and to build stuff but I don’t like putting stuff away. I like making my own peanut butter and banana sandwiches on toast. I like playing with Sheila, my sister. I don’t like talking to people I don’t know, but I like talking to my bear Snowball. He talks to me too! But only to me and only when no one else is around.”

Sheila

“I’m 10 and I’m thinking of changing my name to something more creative . . . like Indigo. That’s a color. Colors make really interesting names. Like Magenta or Chartreuse. Don’t they sound cool? I’m going to be an artist when I grow up. Or a dancer. Or an actress. Or someone who makes up stories and plays. Or an artist. I can’t decide.”

Ilana

“I’m Ilana Iguana, age 10½ and that’s 4 months older than Sheila. Some day I'll be known as Queen Ilana or President Ilana. People say I’m bossy, but I AM NOT! The problem with other kids is that they’re clueless and they need me to tell them what to do. That’s not bossing, it’s being helpful. I like Sheila but not her little brother. He’s as annoying as mine!”

Iggy

“My name is Iggy and I’m 5. I like to run really fast. I also like to ride my scooter really fast and crash into things. That’s fun. So are loud burps. But my sister Ilana doesn’t like it when I do that. She is The Big Boss and always tells me to ‘BE QUIET!’ Quiet is boring! And if she likes quiet so much, why is she always yelling at me?”

Snowball

“Raymond named me Snowball because I’m round and white like a snowball, but I never melt! :O) Raymond always says I’m his best friend and favorite bear. He doesn’t have any other bears but it’s still a compliment. Raymond is my favorite boy. We discuss important things, but only Raymond knows I can talk, so please don’t tell anyone.”

Rumford Wellington

“My name is Rumford Wellington. It’s a big name for a rather small monkey, but it makes me feel important. When Iggy leaves me lying around and forgets about me, I don’t feel important at all. But when he drops me in the yard, especially in that very soggy place where the hose drip drips, I feel like singing, because I love mud.”