Over the years, I’ve changed out books on the kids’ shelves in order to make room for currently age-appropriate ones. Some go in boxes in the attic for when they’re grown up and possibly become parents, others go to Goodwill because we won’t really miss them, some go to younger cousins, but the ones that hold a very special place in our hearts remain on the shelves for easy access. These include my favorites from when I was a kid, which in turn became their favorites. I know I tipped the scales in favor of them because of the enthusiasm with which I would read them and the voices I have perfected over the years.
Last night, I went into Edwin’s room in search of a picture book that had come to mind, Mog the Forgetful Cat. He helped me search for it, declaring, “Oh, my god; I loved that book!” We found it, and he called out for Maxine to come in. “Max! It’s Mog! Remember?” They both insisted I read it to them. We always get such a kick out of Mog. Poor Mog is always feeling slighted for a number of reasons. “They never even fed me dinner” (yes, they did). “Why won’t they let me in; it’s raining out here?” (you have a cat door, silly). One night, when Mog is “stuck” outside, a burglar enters the home. Mog is face-to-face with him at the kitchen window and lets out a very loud howl. The family wakes up, the burglar is caught (and offered a cup of tea – it’s all very civilized), and Mog is transformed into a hero (he really was just begging to be let in).
Then they insisted I read the The Fourteen Bears, Summer and Winter, whose illustrations were etched in my mind when I was little. Just as I was getting up to go to bed, they pulled out a more recent favorite from when they were little, Brontorina, the story of a dinosaur who so desperately wants to become a ballerina. They love the voice I do for the elderly ballerina instructor, kind of a cross between Katherine Hepburn in her golden years and Queen Elizabeth II.
Who knew I’d be reading these to my teenage kids again? What an unexpected delight.
My Corner of the Village 