Help find the cure

That's What You Get!

by Rick Walton

(Another approach to publication format direction.)

(Illustration note: The "Yesterday..." sections are placed on the right side of the spread. These illustrations should not give away the punchline. The "That's what you get..." sections appear on the next page, left side of spread. Material in parentheses is spoken by Mom, shown in the illustration by a dialogue bubble.)

That's what you get for sleeping in a tree."

(Tonight try sleeping on a lower branch.)

Yesterday when I washed my hair
Bees attacked from everywhere.
I told Mom. She said, "You're funny.

That's what you get for washing with honey."

(Try pickle juice next time, dear. That will keep the bees away.)

Yesterday when I brushed my teeth
The top teeth stuck to the ones beneath.
I told Mom. She said, "What's new.

That's what you get for brushing with glue."

(And speak up, dear. I can hardly understand you.)

Yesterday when I cleaned my room
I kept tripping over the broom.
I told Mom. She thought a heap.

"That's what you get for dancing while you sweep."

(Next time just sing, dear.)

(Note: I kept in the dancing while you sweep, but look down at dancing on the fence, and see if that makes this one any better.)

Yesterday when I mowed the lawn
I saw all the grass was gone.
I told Mom. She's really neat.

"That's what you get for mowing the street."

(Now water the sidewalk, would you?)

Yesterday when I gathered wood
My neighbor said, "You are no good!"
I told Mom. She really cares.

"That's what you get for taking their chairs."

(And while they were sitting in them too!)

Yesterday when I tried to cook
My friends gave me a funny look.
I told Mom. She heard my news.

"That's what you get for cooking your shoes."

(I suppose you were making filet of sole?)

Yesterday when I went to town
Everything was upside down.
I told Mom. She understands.

"That's what you get for walking on your hands!"

(But it does keep your shoes looking nice.)

Yesterday when I read a book
All the time, the whole earth shook.
I told Mom. "Oh what's the fuss?

That's what you get for reading on the bus."

(May I borrow that book when you're done?)

(Illustration note: Book is on earthquakes)

Yesterday when I tried to dance
I fell down and ripped my pants.
I told Mom. She has good sense.

"That's what you get for dancing on the fence."

(At least this time you weren't dancing with the broom.)

Yesterday when I told a joke
No one laughed. No one spoke.
I told Mom. She said, "Oh please.

That's what you get for talking to trees."

(And during their nap time!)

Yesterday when I played my drum
Our neighbors criticized me some.
I told Mom. She said, "Not bright.

That's what you get for playing at night."

(And under their window, no less!)

Then today when I looked at you,
(Illustration note: kid is looking toward reader)

You were good-looking

and smart

and strong

and happy

and graceful

and healthy

and talented

and really wise, too.

I told Mom. She took a look.
(Illustration note: Mom looks toward reader also.)

"That's what they get for reading this book!"