“He wasn’t lost at all!” = literally he “found himself”.
Thanks, I like your input.
Your story has great potential. There are some good suggestions here from the FReepers who are actually trying to be helpful.
Based on other FReepers’ comments — because I’m not much of an original thinker :) — it seems like you need:
1) A set-up for the place in time — no cell phones, etc.,
and
2) Something more specific about where the father is, e.g.,
military.
My own imagination wants answers to these questions:
1) Why does Ricky go with his friend instead of his brothers
to play in the snow?
2) What is Ricky feeling about not having his father around
at Christmastime?
3) What kind of religious discussion about Christmas has
taken place in Ricky’s home?
I had some others, but, since this is for grade school kids, it should stay somewhat simple.
By far the best questions/comments are from Anima Mundi at 22 and 23. Great themes to explore.
Hope this has been helpful.
Merry Christmas! And best of luck with this book.