The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis Page A

Tressler.
    â€œNow, what about our parents?” Eric said. “Can we get them to black out the tube?”
    â€œWe can try!” Dunkum said.
    â€œWhat 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.”
    â€œEven grown-ups?” asked little Jimmy. His big brown eyes looked bigger than ever.
    â€œEspecially grown-ups,” Eric said.
    â€œEveryone should sign a promisesheet,” Dunkum said.
    â€œI’ll make up a bunch,” Abby offered.
    â€œAnd I’ll help,” Stacy said.
    Eric grinned. What a terrific plan!

TWO
    Eric knocked on the guest room door. His grandpa’s bedroom.
    â€œCome in,” Grandpa called.
    Eric hoped this wouldn’t take long. He hoped his grandpa would agree right away.
    â€œSit down, sit down,” Grandpa said. He was propped up in bed.
    Eric pulled up a chair. “Is your afternoon nap over?” he asked.
    â€œ Now it is.” Grandpa smiled a sleepy smile.
    â€œGood, ’cause I have a great idea,” Ericsaid. 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?
    â€œWhere’d you come up with this, young man?” asked Grandpa Hagel.
    â€œIt was in the morning paper,” Eric said. He felt nervous. Should he tell him about the club meeting?
    â€œThe newspaper, eh?” Grandpa said.
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œWell, OK. Count me in,” said Grandpa.
    Yes! Eric was thrilled. “All right!” he hollered.
    â€œSettle down,” Grandpa said. “It’s not a big deal.”
    â€œIt 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?”
    â€œNever hurts to ask,” said Grandpa.
    â€œTrue,” 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.
    â€œSign-up sheets are ready,” Abby said.
    â€œGood! I’ll be right over,” Eric replied.
    â€œHow’d it go with your grandpa?” asked Abby.
    â€œEasy as pie,” said Eric. “Now, if I can just get my mom to listen.”
    â€œHow hard can it be?” Abby said. “She’ll wanna go along with all the neighbors. Won’t she?”
    â€œShe’ll wanna keep up with her exercises, too,” Eric told her.
    â€œOh, I forgot. She’s into fitness,” said Abby.
    â€œWell, wish me luck,” said Eric.
    â€œI’ll pray for you,” Abby said.
    Eric knew she would.
    â€œWhen should we visit Mr. Tressler?” Abby asked.
    â€œBefore supper tonight,” Eric suggested.
    â€œOK.”
    â€œI’ll come over soon. After I talk to my mom,” Eric said.
    â€œSee ya later, alligator,” Abby said.
    â€œAfter a while, crocodile,” Eric answered.
    â€œNext time, porcupine,” Abby added.
    â€œNot too soon, baboon,” Eric replied.
    â€œOkey-dokey, artichokey,” Abby said.
    â€œBye-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