Author Michael Lindvall tells a delightful tale about James, an overactive seven‑year old who talks a mile a minute, who sleeps sporadically, and who is boundlessly enthusiastic about everything. James loves the company of Angus and Minnie, a retired farm couple in their 80s. For the most part, they enjoy his company as well. It’s Halloween. James bursts into Angus and Minnie’s living room. In deep anguish, he complains that his mom bought him a Teenage‑Mutant Ninja Turtle costume to wear. “No one cares about Teenage‑Mutant Ninja Turtles anymore,” he says desperately. “My mom should have known that! I’m going to die if I have to wear that! What am I going to do? I can’t wear that costume. Everyone will make fun of me. What am I going to do?”

Minnie thinks for a moment and suggests that pe…