Parsifal Rides the Time Wave

By Nell Chenault

Pictures by Vee Guthrie

Copyright 1962

Parsifal is a Poddley.  At the start of this book, he is seen rushing to an emergency job he has been entrusted with. 

“A Poddley’s job is a very interesting one indeed.  It is being a friend to a lonely or unhappy child until that child’s problem is solved.  Then the Poddley moves on to a new case.”

Poddleys are magical little green creatures, about a foot high, able to appear and disappear at will, with the ability to travel on the time waves that travel around the world.

Parsifal is rushing to be at Colin’s bedside in the hospital.  Poor Colin is recovering from an accident, but his injuries are much more that physical.  Colin’s dear dog, Lad, died in that accident.  Colin is showing no interest in eating or getting better and is not looking forward to going home, knowing Lad will not be waiting for him.

A Poddley takes his job very seriously, and so Parsifal gets to work helping to heal Colin’s pain.  He uses his magical powers to take Colin on a time wave, six hundred years in the past, to see Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, in action.  The excitement of the adventure, along with learning about Robert’s own beloved dog, comforts Colin and gives him renewed interest in life.

Parsifal has done his job well, and is even awarded Poddley of the Year!

So many children right now are in need of their very own Poddley.  While I don’t believe that little green foot-tall magical creatures will appear at their sides, I do see countless loving, selfless people surrounding those hurting children, some even giving their very lives.  That type of love has a magic all its own, and I can only hope and pray that those children still with us will find comfort and healing in those who care so much about them.