The original Julius

My father, Julius, grew up with Syd Hoff in the Bronx, and my father knew Syd's family and future wife (I believe her nickname was "Dutch") quite well back then. They lost track of each other until the early 1990's when my dad tracked him down through Syd's publisher & they began corresponding. When Syd heard my dad had grandchildren, he sent many copies of his books to him & the kids would do book reports on Syd's books for school. He also sent us a tape cassette called "The Trumpet Club-Authors on Tape" where he talks about himself and his career. We used to joke that the book "Julius" (the gorilla) was named after my dad. After my dad's passing, I wrote to let Syd know & received a beautiful condolence letter. I just found out about Syd's passing on the internet & want to extend belated condolences to his family. Syd's letters (always signed "Hoff") brought my dad much pleasure. My dad's great-grandchildren have now inherited Syd's books & proudly say that their great-grandfather & Syd Hoff were pals…Regina Birnbaum- January 20, 2007