MARCIE ABOFF

THE IDEA...

JOSH AND T.J. is a story about friendship, loss, and how appearances can be deceiving. My editor wanted to include letters back and forth between the boys, which I really think added a new dimension to the story. (Yes, I tell children, there are some people who still write "snail mail" letters - not just e-mail!)

I created the idea about razzle stones and a pyramid because I wanted some "hot" new toy that the two boys can still talk about in their letters and even keep trading through the mail.

I also included a character in the story who has a learning disability. I think it adds another level about many types of friendships.