I have realized lately that I have my real reading life with my children and then, the imagined one - the one where I revisit my favorites from childhood. It's strange to think that my memory most likely does not go back as far as my daughter's current age. I have solid memories of reading and rereading certain picture books as a child, but none of them board books. I have not been able to resist stocking our shelves with some of these books as I eagerly anticipate my children growing into them. The one I remember most fondly is Fables - did you read this one? It has the pale blue border around the cover that frames the bear with the frying pan on his head. I loved this collection initially for the funny tales but eventually I think as an adult, they represent specific moments of growth. So the apple doesn't fall far from the tree- if parents chew with their mouth open and run around during meal times, so will their offspring...that's the one that has always stuck with me. Along side Fables are This Is New York and This Is Paris - two places I've lived, books given to me by a dear friend and fellow bibliophile to commemorate these experiences. These are beautiful picture books (originally published in 1960) - almost coffee-table worthy, with fine paper and exquisite illustrations.
The problem with these books, I've realized, is that they have been somewhat put on a pedestal - they are on a high shelf that my daughter cannot reach, until I like to imagine, she is old enough - truly old enough to not tear the pages. I even have a few that my mother saved from her childhood. I just can't risk it...but then again, a friend with older children told me I will get over it when my second child has earlier access to the untouchable books...I guess we're all a little more laid back the second time around. Still, it makes me the think of a story of one of my English professors from college. My roommate visited her office one afternoon and was awestruck with the amount of books stocked on her shelves. "Have you read all of these?" she asked incredulously and the professor nodded. "But I'm not sure why. I'm not sure what it all means now." Okay, so this sounds like a strange anecdote to tell on a blog about reading, but it does make me think. It makes me realize that I'm so happy I don't feel this way. I've always had tons of book lining my shelves, and once in a while I'll glance around at the spines and think about the time I've spent with them. For me, it's not time wasted; I've always loved books and reading, and I also love to reread, but when thinking about books and reading to children, it's time spent with your kids. So you'll look at the books on your kids' shelves and you know what they represent - along with literacy and learning for your child, it's quality time spent with you.
What we're reading now: Ladybug Girl At The Beach
Why: Another one from my mom and my daughter loves - all about what we've done at the beach this summer - playing in the sand, exploring, ice cream, swimming...
What I'm looking for: any good baby boy recommendations?
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