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Earlier this year I had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with Fred Stone's granddaughter, Judy Sloane - the daughter of Fred's daughter, Paula. She was looking for some photos to use in a new book she had written for younger readers about her grandfather's experiences working in the circus when he was a boy.
I was able to help with the several photos, and Judy and I have since become cordial email acquaintances.
The book, Fred Stone and the Frontier Circus, is now available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook versions. Charmingly illustrated by Joseph Yakovetic, the book also has a foreword by actress Melissa Sue Anderson (best known as Mary on Little House on the Prairie.) Anderson was married to Fred Stone's grandson, Michael Sloan—brother of Judy. Sadly, Michael Sloan passed away in late October 2025.
I have not yet seen the final book. Some last-minute adjustments and the holiday crunch in publishing have led to delays in getting contributor comp copies sent out.
I've been anxious to see the finished book, but the delay became wholly worthwhile when I received a small package from Judy Sloane a short time ago. An enclosed note read:
Hi David, Joe [the illustrator] made this for you for Christmas. One day, hopefully, a book will turn up!! There's a concept!! Thanks for everything and Happy Holidays, Judy
Inside the box was an ornament for my Christmas Tree, A clear plastic bottle full of red and white Scarecrow hay, featuring the front and back covers of the new book!
So, as I hit the 65,000 words mark in my own book, what fun it is to get a Christmas tree ornament in the mail from the original Scarecrow's granddaughter! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to Judy and Joseph!
Copyright ©2025 David Maxine. All rights reserved.
