Once Upon a Daydream
The Story of Patrick and the Clumsy Camel
by
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Patrick went back to the bench and pulled out his stuffed camel. He looked around to make sure no one was watching and looked down at the camel and said, “You’ve got it made. It’s tough to be a kid. My parents would love for me to score goals in soccer or make fancy speeches. But I’m just me. Do you understand? I know, you’re just a stuffed animal.” The little camel slipped out of his hands and fell to the ground. “Aren’t you a clumsy camel?” Patrick laughed. Allie was Riley’s little sister, and she was a beautiful camel with a big heart. However, she was born with three humps and became known as Allie, the Clumsy Camel. Every time she tried to run a few feet, she would fall down. Allie could only dream about racing like the other camels. The snail slowly came over to Patrick and, looking closely to him, said “I’ve never heard of a boy before. Are you extinct or something?” The skunk shouted, “Hey, who said I stink?” “No, I said extinct,” said the snail. “Back where I come from, there are millions of people just like me,” Patrick told them. “Well, not exactly like me, but I’m not extinct.”
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About the Book
Once Upon a Daydream takes us on a vivid journey bringing together a bullied twelve year old boy with a colorful group of animals who are competing in their own Olympic Games. Both soon learn they are facing similar experiences in their lives. Through Patrick’s daydream we learn about friendship, loyalty, compassion and the need for acceptance. This story is reflective of what many young people cope with during adolescence. This thought-provoking adventure provides focus to a serious issue in a candid, yet whimsical way. The negative effects of peer behavior become countered with authentic self esteem and empowerment to take responsibility. Readers will be drawn to root for Patrick and Allie, the Clumsy Camel to find success and happiness.
About the Author
Tom Farmer is a native Californian with a passion for sports and the arts. Once Upon a Daydream is his first published book. Tom has been in the insurance and benefits industry for over 30 years and is a senior vice president for a brokerage firm based in New York. He currently resides in Northern California. The foundation for the story comes from his years of coaching baseball, soccer, basketball and being very involved in children’s theater. The environment of these events and how children responded to the challenges and obstacles motivated Tom to write Once Upon a Daydream. The story has been adapted for the stage and performed at multiple venues as a musical with an original score.