storytime

For years, I have driven a long way for one of the best storytimes at a public library.  I felt like my kids always got a lot out of the program, so I was more than happy to make the trip.  The other day, we were at our local ice cream/coffee shop and happened upon a storytime there.  It was wonderful and the man that does it, just loves kids, books and music.  What could be better?  The children come alive with him in the room.  It is absolutely amazing.  Needless to say, we have stopped driving and starting walking to our weekly storytimes.  I am always so impressed with people who do things because they love to--especially when they positively impact the lives of others {little ones and their parents, in this case}.

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents"

-Emilie Buchwald

George

My little one just loves Curious George, or George, as we call him.  When I heard he was hosting a special storytime at a store in town, I knew we had to go.

We drove across town and were the first of the eager beavers there.  George was running a bit late and my little one took full advantage of the time to discover all the wonderful children's things in the store.  Of course, when George finally showed up, she was too engrossed with all the toys and pretend goodies a kid could ask for, and didn't really even seem to care that "George" was there.

Finally, after prying her away from the little strollers and doll beds, we walked to the back of the store to see "George."  All morning, she cried out "GEOOOOORRRRRGE!" and waved her hands when we spoke of going to see him but when she saw the oversized monkey, she screamed and became paralyzed with fear.

She wanted nothing to do with the large monkey--nothing at all!  While all the other children sat and listened to a story, she played in the pretend kitchen.  

Every now and then she would turn her head and look to see if the creature was still there...on the other side of the store.  She seemed to get a kick out of being able to play but still looked up with a mixture of fear and fascination at George.

She was finally persuaded to take part in the George storytime when they placed crayons and paper out on the tables.  She immediately found a spot at the overly decorated little table and enjoyed coloring.

After a few minutes, she stood up with her paper and purple crayon {her sister's favorite color}, pushed in her chair and walked over to where George was posing with excited little kids for photos.  I thought this must be it!  She will walk over to George and show him her picture.  

NOPE...she found a spot on the floor, in the middle of the crowd, and laid down on her tummy to draw.  I was slightly taken aback by her bold move but she seemed happy and content to just draw with George in sight so, against my better judgement and the funny looks from the other mothers around me, I just let her enjoy drawing on the floor.

When we began to leave, she walked up to George and said the biggest "BYYYEEE" I have ever heard.  She was never so happy to hop in the stroller and leave.  I guess for now, we will just enjoy George on PBS and in storybooks.