The Great TV Turn-Off
Beverly Lewis Books for Young Readers
PICTURE BOOKS
Annika’s Secret Wish • In Jesse’s Shoes
Just Like Mama • What Is God Like?
What Is Heaven Like?
THE CUL-DE-SAC KIDS
The Double Dabble Surprise
The Chicken Pox Panic
The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery
No Grown-ups Allowed
Frog Power
The Mystery of Case D. Luc
The Stinky Sneakers Mystery
Pickle Pizza
Mailbox Mania
The Mudhole Mystery
Fiddlesticks
The Crabby Cat Caper
Tarantula Toes
Green Gravy
Backyard Bandit Mystery
Tree House Trouble
The Creepy Sleep-Over
The Great TV Turn-Off
Piggy Party
The Granny Game
Mystery Mutt
Big Bad Beans
The Upside-Down Day
The Midnight Mystery
Katie and Jake and the Haircut Mistake
www.BeverlyLewis.com
© 1998 by Beverly Lewis
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2012
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
ISBN 978-1-4412-6077-2
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Cover illustration by Paul Turnbaugh
Text illustrations by Janet Huntington
For
Amanda Hoffman,
who pulled the plug
and lived to tell about it!
And . . .
for her brother,
Jeremy,
also a BIG fan
in the Sunflower State.
(We miss you in Colorado!)
Contents
Cover
Beverly Lewis Books for Young Readers
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
The Cul-de-sac Kids Series
About the Author
Other Books by Author
Back Cover
ONE
Eric Hagel slapped the Sunday paper shut. “No TV for me for one whole week. I’m going cold turkey!” he said.
His mother’s eyes fluttered. “What did you say?”
“You heard right, Mom. America’s TV Turn-Off Week starts tomorrow.”
Eric’s mom cleared off the breakfast table. “Really? My goodness, what a wonderful idea.”
“I can’t wait to tell my friends,” Eric said.
His mother smiled. “Seven days is a long time. Do you think the Cul-de-sac Kids will go for it?”
“Well, I’m gonna find out,” he said.
An emergency meeting was held at Dunkum Mifflin’s house. Right after church.
Abby Hunter sat in the president’s chair—a giant beanbag. “The meeting will come to order,” she said. “Any old business?”
Eric shook his head. So did Dunkum and Jason. And so did Stacy, Carly, Dee Dee, and Abby’s Korean brothers—Shawn and Jimmy Hunter. Nine members, counting Eric.
“OK, what about new business?” asked Abby.
Eric spoke up. “Did everyone read the morning paper? The part about America turning off the TV?”
The kids just stared at him.
“C’mon! Don’t you guys read the paper?” he asked.
Abby smiled. “I saw the article.”
“So . . . are you with me?” said Eric. “Do you wanna pull the plug?”
“On the tube?” said Jason. “Are you kidding?”
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Eric. “Just think of all the books you could read.”
The others looked shocked.
“Maybe we should have a vote,” suggested Abby.
“OK with me,” said Eric.
“All in favor of no TV, raise your hands,” Abby said.
Eric, Abby, and Dunkum shot their hands up. Then, very slowly, Stacy, Jimmy, and Shawn put theirs up. They were looking around, though, as they voted.
“Last chance to vote,” Eric piped up. He was saying it for Dee Dee’s and Carly’s sake. They were slow-poke members.
“OK,” whispered Carly. But she wasn’t smiling about it.
“All against no TV, raise your hands,” Abby said.
“Wait!” Jason’s hand went up, very slowly. “I must be crazy,” he muttered.
Abby made the report. “The vote is carried. We pull the plug. All of us will.”
Jason groaned.
“Hey, you voted for it,” Dunkum scolded. “You can’t complain now!”
Eric spoke up. “Let’s do something totally cool for TV Turn-Off Week.”
Jason Birchall’s eyes went crossed. “We’re skipping TV for a week. Isn’t that cool enough?”
“But wait. I have another idea,” said Eric.
“Let’s hear it,” said Abby.
The kids listened.
“I think our parents should turn off the TV, too,” Eric said. “No TV for anyone.”
Dunkum was nodding his head. “It’s only fair,” he said.
“What a double dabble good idea!” Abby said, smiling.
Carly raised her hand. She was Abby’s sister. “What about Mr. Tressler? He’s not anyone’s parent. Should he do it?”
Jason couldn’t sit still. He was up dancing and jiving. “Good thinking, Carly. But Mr. Tressler lives alone. He watches tons of TV, especially at night. Who’s gonna get him to agree?”
“Maybe older folks shouldn’t be in on it,” Abby suggested.
Eric thought about that. “We oughta have the whole cul-de-sac. If everyone in America is doing it, why not Blossom Hill Lane?” he said.
“OK with me,” Abby said.
“Then who’s gonna break it to Mr. Tressler?” Jason asked.
“I will,” Eric spoke up.
“Way to go, Eric!” said Dee Dee.
“I’ll go along,” Abby offered.
Shawn said in broken English, “I go, too.”
So it was set. Eric, Abby, and Shawn would pay a visit to Mr. Tressler.
“Now, what about our parents?” Eric said. “Can we get them to black out the tube?”
“We can try!” Dunkum said.
“What if they won’t?” Dee Dee asked. “What then?”
The kids were silent. Their brains were buzzing. Especially Eric’s. “I’ve got it!” he said. “If we catch someone sneaking TV time, we pack up the tube. No questions asked.”
“Even grown-ups?” asked little Jimmy. His big brown eyes looked bigger than ever.
“Especially grown-ups,” Eric said.
“Everyone should sign a promise sheet,” Dunkum said.
“I’ll make up a bunch,” Abby offered.
“And I’ll help,” Stacy said.
Eric grinned. What a terrific plan!
TWO
Eric knocked on the guest room door. His grandpa’s bedroom.
“Come in,” Grandpa called.
Eric hoped this wouldn’t take long. He hoped his grandpa would agree right away.
“Sit down, sit down,” Grandpa said. He was propped up in bed.
Eric pulled up a chair. “Is your afternoon nap over?” he asked.
“Now it is.” Grandpa smiled a sleepy smile.
“Good, ’cause I have a great idea,” Eric said. He began to tell about the TV Turn-Off Week. “We want the grown-ups on the block to join in.”
Grandpa rubbed his chin. “Well, well, that is an interesting idea.”
Eric waited, holding his breath. What would Grandpa say?
“Where’d you come up with this, young man?” asked Grandpa Hagel.
“It was in the morning paper,” Eric said. He felt nervous. Should he tell him about the club meeting?
“The newspaper, eh?” Grandpa said.
“I can show it to you,” Eric said.
Grandpa waved his hand. “No, no. Don’t bother. I’ve heard of such things. Don’t they do this every year?”
Eric said, “Sure do.”
“Well, OK. Count me in,” said Grandpa.
Yes! Eric was thrilled. “All right!” he hollered.
“Settle down,” Grandpa said. “It’s not a big deal.”
“It is a big deal,” Eric said. “Thanks, Grandpa!”
Eric went over to the big bed. “Any ideas about Mom? How can I get her to give up TV?” he asked.
Grandpa scratched his head. “Well now, that’s gonna be tricky. She loves her exercise shows.”
Eric wondered what to do. “Do you think she’ll sign the promise sheet?”
“Never hurts to ask,” said Grandpa.
“True,” said Eric. But he knew his mom might not sign.
In fact, there was a strong chance she’d say no.
Bri-i-i-ing!
Eric hurried to answer the phone.
“Sign-up sheets are ready,” Abby said.
“Good! I’ll be right over,” Eric replied.
“How’d it go with your grandpa?” asked Abby.
“Easy as pie,” said Eric. “Now, if I can just get my mom to listen.”
“How hard can it be?” Abby said. “She’ll wanna go along with all the neighbors. Won’t she?”
“She’ll wanna keep up with her exercises, too,” Eric told her.
“Oh, I forgot. She’s into fitness,” said Abby.
“Well, wish me luck,” said Eric.
“I’ll pray for you,” Abby said.
Eric knew she would.
“When should we visit Mr. Tressler?” Abby asked.
“Before supper tonight,” Eric suggested.
“OK.”
“I’ll come over soon. After I talk to my mom,” Eric said.
“See ya later, alligator,” Abby said.
“After a while, crocodile,” Eric answered.
“Next time, porcupine,” Abby added.
“Not too soon, baboon,” Eric replied.
“Okey-dokey, artichokey,” Abby said.
“Bye-bye, horsefly,” Eric finished.
THREE
Eric rang the door at the Hunters’ house. Carly and Jimmy came to the door together. They were dressed like Bible characters.
“We’re David and Goliath. Wanna see our play?” Carly said.
Eric smiled. “Maybe later. I have to talk to Abby.”
Carly rolled her eyes. “Oh, you came to see Abby, didn’t you?”
“Cut the comedy,” he said. “Where’s your sister?”
Jimmy grinned up at him. “Better watch out,” he said. He held up his slingshot. “I come in name of God!”
“That’s what David’s supposed to tell Goliath,” Eric said. “Here, point your slingshot at Carly.”
“She not Carly Anne Hunter. Now sister is BIG giant!” Jimmy shouted.
Eric had never heard Jimmy talk so loud. But then, Jimmy hadn’t heard Bible stories before. Not till he came to America last Thanksgiving.
“Come in and wait. I’ll go get Abby,” said Carly, the enemy giant.
Jimmy zipped off after her. Eric saw him hold out his slingshot.
Eric ended up waiting in the kitchen. It was impossible not to wander in there. Mrs. Hunter was making chocolate chip cookies. They were still warm. And the chocolate pieces were all gooey when she gave him one.
“M-m-m, thanks!” Eric said. “My favorite.”
“Everybody’s favorite,” Mrs. Hunter agreed.
Soon, Abby and Shawn came downstairs. They had a bunch of papers. “Here they are,” Abby said.
Eric looked at the sign-up sheets. And Shawn ate cookies.
The promise sheet was very cool. It said the following:
I promise not to watch TV for one whole week. I will not turn on the TV set from March 2 through March 8. If I am caught sneaking TV, The Cul-de-sac Kids will box up my TV. They’ll put it away. On March 8, my TV will be returned.
Signed: ______________
“Hey, this is great,” Eric said. “How’d you think this up?”
Abby shrugged. “It’s nothing much. Anybody could’ve done it.”
“Not this body,” Eric said and laughed.
Abby reached for a cookie. “This is my third one,” she whispered. “Here, have another.”
Eric thought she’d never ask. “Thanks,” he said.
“Want some milk to go with it?” Abby asked.
“Sure!”
Abby poured milk for Eric. Then for her brother Shawn.
They drank milk and ate warm cookies together. They watched the David and Goliath show. But the story ended too quickly. Goliath (Carly) turned the slingshot on David (little Jimmy.)
“That’s not how the story goes,” Abby said, giggling.
Eric hooted with laughter.
Then Mrs. Hunter tempted the future king of Israel. She did it by bringing out more cookies.
Wicked Goliath spied them. She declared, “Time out. The play is over.”
“Not over!” Little David whined and fussed. He took a handful of cookies. “Time for chocolate manna!”
“That’s a different story,” Eric said.
“Eric’s right,” said Mrs. Hunter. “You may continue the play tomorrow.”
“Yay! We’ll do a play instead of watching TV,” Abby said. Then she showed her mother the sign-up sheet.
“What’s this?” Mrs. Hunter said.
“Take a look,” Abby said.
Eric wondered what would happen. He crossed his fingers behind his back. Would Mrs. Hunter promise no TV? Would she sign?
“We want the whole cul-de-sac to agree,” Abby said softly. “One hundred percent.”
Jimmy wiped his mouth. “Jimmy sign now!”
“Wait a minute,” Mrs. Hunter said. She found a pen in her kitchen drawer. “Ladies first.” She was smiling.
The kids watched Mrs. Hunter sign her name.
“Cool! You’re the first on the block,” Eric said.
Mrs. Hunter twirled around the kitchen. The kids clapped and cheered. Especially Eric.
After all, it was his idea.
Now . . . off to Mr. Tressler’s house!
Would the old gentleman want to be cool, too?
FOUR
Eric, Abby, and Shawn crossed the street. They headed for Mr. Tressler’s house at the end of the cul-de-sac.
“Hide the sign-up sheet,” Eric said.
“How come?” asked Abby.
“Mr. Tressler not like?” Shawn asked.
“We should just go for a visit. After we’re there awhile, we’ll tell him about the TV turn-off,” Eric suggested.
“Double dabble good idea,” Abby said. She folded the paper and put it in her jacket.
Shawn nodded. “Eric is right.”
So they just visited. They talked about Mr. Tressler’s doves. But their neighbor wanted to talk about TV.
“Have you watched the Adventure Channel?” he asked.
“Sometimes,” Eric said.
“We don’t watch TV during supper,” Abby said.
“Not good for family talking,” Shawn said.
“Well, I’d pay double for it,” Mr. Tressler said.
Gulp! Eric was worried.
“Did any of you see the dolphin show?” Mr. Tressler asked.
“When?” Eric asked.
Mr. Tressler glanced at the ceiling. He was thinking. “Two nights ago, I believe.”
“I see dolphins in books,” Shawn spoke up. “I see them swim with people.”
Mr. Tressler’s face lit up. “That’s it! That’s like the show I saw.” He seemed so pleased. Really delighted. He kept talking about the one-hour show.
Eric tried to catch Abby’s eye. He made several motions with his hands.
Finally, she looked at him.
Eric pointed to the pocket in her jacket.
Then Abby caught on. She pulled out one of the sign-up sheets.
Eric nodded. Good! Now maybe they could discuss their plan. He was about to bring up the subject. But he stopped.
Mr. Tressler was reaching for the TV remote control.
What’s he doing? Eric wondered.
“Say, would you like to watch TV with me?” Mr. Tressler glanced at the wall clock. “One of my favorite shows is coming on. How about it?”
Poor Mr. Tressler. He was looking around at each of them. Shawn, Abby, and Eric were silent. They didn’t know what to do or say.
At last, Eric spoke up. “OK, we’ll watch your show.”
Abby’s eyes blinked with surprise.
“We’ll watch with you. But it could be the last one you see. Till next week, that is,” Eric said.
“Excuse me?” Mr. Tressler pulled on his bow tie.
Eric crossed the room. He took a signup sheet from Abby. “Let me explain.”
Mr. Tressler was frowning. “Please do,” he said.
“America is turning off the tube,” Eric said. “Starting tomorrow, no TV.”
“We want the whole block to join in,” Abby said.
Shawn was nodding. “Cul-de-sac Kids and grown-ups no watch television. One whole week,” he said.
Mr. Tressler gasped a bit. “How will I enjoy my meals? I always watch the news during supper.”
“What about the radio?” Abby asked. “You could listen to the news.”