I am so appreciative of your comments and edits.<br />I defer to your edits in every instance, but especially with respect to the ending.. I don't know how I could have left the Owl out.&nbsp; I think, at that point, I was so focused on working the professor and the tortoise back in that I simply overlooked him. <br /><br />This story is intented for three audiences: <br />1) My daughter (or any 4-8 year old) - and for that audience I think it falls short (my daughter, who is 4, will love it - because I wrote it - but my concern is that it won't hold the interest of other similarly aged children). <br />2)&nbsp; The parent who is reading it, who if he/she hasn't considered the questions entailed in the story, will be compelled to by it (perhaps I am being naive here)<br />3) the teenager who reads the story again and is, now, in a place where she/he can understand it.&nbsp; <br /><br />I would love your feedback regarding the ability to reach any one of these three audiencies if you feel compelled to provide it. <br /><br />Regardless, again, I really appreciate your editing and comments. <br />THANK YOU,<br />Eric