I was tooling through the kid’s section at Barnes & Noble, when I came upon a chubby Chihuahua sitting beneath the Babar books. I see he’s leashed to a stroller where, when I peek in, there’s a happy baby gurgling away. Behind it, I see a woman in her 70s sprawled on the floor, a copy of Pete the Cat’s, I Love My White Shoes, a favorite of mine, balanced on her ample bosom.
Next to her is a 3 year-old in a red striped French sailor shirt (my kinda guy) hanging on to every word.
The Chihuahua, like he’s the host, puts two paws up on my leg as if to say, sit down, join us why don’t you? The baby starts giggling, the dog gets comfy, while the woman never stops reading, even when I do sit down to hear the rest of what Pete has to say.
“What a story,” I say to her.
“Yah, a favorite of Mike’s,” she says, chucking the little guy under the chin.
“I think it’s so great you read to them.”
“Of course, what else should one’s nanny do…they will be great men one day.”
I smile knowing how lucky they were to have her, even the way she included the dog. because, to quote Pete, “It’s all good.” 🙂
SB
What a great nanny. Not on the cellphone but teaching!
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You said it. How refreshing. They congregate like a little cult usually at the cafe downstairs. So great to see one who isn’t just killing time.
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That was heart-warming. I loved the way you joined the literary circle.
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I was so charmed. 🙂
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Like Tom Jefferson said “I couldn’t live without books”. I am so glad I acquired that addiction at a very early age. 😉
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You and me both though mine came later. It warms me when I see kids with books and applaud the parents. Too often I see them playing video games on their mother’s or nanny’s phone to keep them quiet. Reading is the center for all that comes next. Your interests. What’s inspiring inspires. Way to go Tom. 🙂
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How lucky those boys are to have a wonderful nanny like that! A few days ago, my almost 4yr old grandson called. “What are you doing Nana?” he asked. “I’m just sitting down, reading a book,” I answered. In astonishment he exclaimed, “Without me?!” I’m sure he pictured me reading all his books.
I constantly tell my students of every age that nothing will help them as much as reading.
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The Teaching Nana speaks. I love that he said that to you, the precious little guy. Must have put you right over the moon.
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That it is. :O)
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Hi Paul. Bet your kids were readers. 🙂
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Yes, and they loved having us read stories to them as well—plus I would add voices to the characters—which may or may not have hurt the experience. But, I believe reading to children can not only entertain young ones but also inspire them to read and write stories of their own. I think it also leaves them with warm memories that often keep them close to us and may motivate them to do the same with their own kids.
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I’ll bet you were a riot adding voices. I love that. I always think Pete the Cat sounds like Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, and Babar, Dom Deluise.
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The kids always seemed to enjoy it. My wife on the other hand. 😀
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Oh, I’ll bet she thinks it’s funny too. I’ll just bet. 🙂
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😀
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so charming; ‘loved it!
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Thanks. 🙂
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Now, if we can figure out a way to clone her we might be on our way to a peaceful civilization.
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I get it. She was wonderful and that little boy was the sweetest and already loves to read…sigh
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