Author John R. Purcell has compiled the best of his Blog into Kernels of Corn -- Food for Thought. His posts range from humorous observations of the home life of a retired space worker with a backyard full of squirrels to thoughtful pieces about his encounters with society at large. Ever insightful, Purcell's pieces will bring a smile - or a tear - of recognition that stays with the reader long after the book is closed.

Small animals that inhabit the woods behind the backyard of Mr. Natase are in danger. They could be caught in a trap Mr. Natase keeps setting in his yard. Dino, a dog, Katy, a cat, Ricki, a raccoon, and Randy, a snake, are worried. The solution they devise to deal with the problem leads to unexpected results: a magical transformation