Our family has been caught up in the happy whirlwind of wedding plans. The first step on the ladder to The Big Event was taken last week when we celebrated my daughter Sarah’s engagement. The occasion is more than a party: according to Jewish tradition, the couple symbolically affirms their intention to marry by taking hold of an object (such as a belt) and, according to some customs, making a verbal declaration.
In the midst of the flurry of wedding preparations, our married daughter and her husband arrived from Florida with their three young children. Sights and sounds abound that have not been a regular part of our lives for many years. Not only is there the pitter-patter of little feet, we have been privy to squeals of laughter, childlike wonder at “ordinary” phenomena, and unexpected displays of ingenuity and creativity. An everyday skylight, which some “genius” painted before the house became ours, in the eyes of a three-year-old was transformed into clouds. There is nothing more precious than a little girl of two spontaneously kissing a bandage on her grandmother’s arm or a child’s delight upon discovering that Grandpa and Grandma are awake. And the baby, endeavoring to master the art of crawling, hoisted himself onto his hands and knees–only to plop down onto his little chin. After a brief crying spell, the persistent little tyke was at it again.
If only we could throw off our adult inhibitions and mindsets and view the world with the freshness and enthusiasm of the child. These are qualities we would do well to emulate. Perhaps this is why I take such delight in children’s literature: it allows me to experience books, and our surroundings, from a kid’s-eye view.
Speaking of the delight of children’s books, here is one that is a perfect example. Mo Willems has performed an incredible feat: producing yet one more outstanding book that will resonate with kids and adults alike. When City Dog relocates to the country, he meets a frog who teaches him how to have fun in his new environment. As spring turns into summer, the friends also enjoy city games. When autumn arrives, Country Frog suggests they remember the good times they had earlier in the year. And, during the snowy days of winter, City Dog waits for spring to come so he can again play with his good friend. This touching story does not have the rollicking humor of the Pigeon books, but it will strike a chord with readers of all ages. Memorable.
I think I hear more books calling me…
one of the boxes of new arrivals awaiting my attention!
