Storytelling with a sense of the Christmas spirit: 'The Little Lost Sock'

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A mismatched sock placed in the lost-and-found box is looking for purpose to its life. Seeking advice, the sock doesn’t have much luck until encountering a special book that offers encouragement and friendship.

“The little sock realizes something about itself that it never knew before,” Sioux Falls, S.D., author Tom Roberts said. “It’s a story of transformation; and without revealing the end, there’s a Christmas element to it.”

The tour represents a third visit to Dickinson in which Roberts revealed his other books titled “Twas the Night before Christ” and “Santa’s Prayer.”

“Over the years, I have written a lot of stories — each story draws inspiration from a different element,” Roberts said while launching his book tour of North and South Dakota.

“People keep asking me what age group the book is intended for,” Roberts said. “It’s meant for kids of all ages. Parents and grandparents are buying it, saying it’s meant to be shared between the generations. It’s become part of their family tradition of Christmas, reading it before opening presents.”

The book is illustrated by Jim Brummond, who also donates his time and talent.

Roberts said proceeds from the sale of books are donated to the Children’s Home Society, an organization in South Dakota that offers support to children struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.

Roberts is an events coordinator as a profession, but storytelling is his passion. He gives storytelling programs, and the books are a result of those stories.

“We’ve raised more than $700,000 with this project — it’s an astounding God-thing,” he said.

Dakota Bank business banker Linda Candrian has purchased Roberts’ autographed books for her grandchildren.

“A signed book is so valuable, plus they are the kind of books you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren,” she said. “There’s a Christian message, but also they are an inspiration.”

The books are available for purchase at Dacotah Bank, which is a corporate supporter of the Children’s Home Society.

Candrian has worked with Roberts for the last three years.

“He’s a very genuine person,” she said. “The joy is watching the children hear him tell the stories and how they enjoyed them.”

She encourages parents to bring their children to one of the readings, including the one at Dacotah Bank.

“People can pick up their kids from school, have refreshments in the lobby and sit down and listen,” she said.

The events are free.

For more information about Roberts’ books, visit www.chssd.org/books.

Tags: lifestyle, local, dickinson