One Great Gift

Last night when I put my son to bed, we went through the usual routine. We read three books, Fire Cat by Esther Averill, Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni, and Sharks Lift-the-Flap. Once we finished reading, we talked about the books, recapped the day at school, and briefly chatted about the days ahead. We were happily talking about Thanksgiving and the upcoming visit from my parents, when I mentioned there would be no school on Thursday or Friday next week. The sudden flood of tears from my son's eyes shocked me. Why was he crying?

"What's wrong, sweetie?"
"Mommy, they can't cancel school Friday. I have to go!"
"But honey, no one will be in school Friday. It's a holiday."
"No, I don't want the day off! I'm going to miss the library!"

More than 24 hours later, I am still smiling. It isn't art, music, gym, or computers he's concerned about missing, it's time in the LIBRARY - precious time to return the "old" book and find a new one. This week's choice was The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl. I have to admit, this was one Dahl book I had not read. It's long, but William simply loved it.

As for the day after Thanksgiving, we'll not be joining the madness of holiday shopping, but rather will be heading to our local library to check out some books. What a gift!