A Lovely Way to Nod Off
Not every bedtime, but often I read to the girls from a novel.
They snuggle up in their beds and I sit back against the wall, usually with a coffee in hand.
It took some practice for one little girl in particular to learn to stay still and listen.
But this has become a beloved pastime for me and my two oldest.
I enjoy the stories as much as they do!
Sometimes I choose books I've read before and enjoyed.
Other times I pick a known classic that I'm interested in reading for the first time too!
Together we enter in to these make believe tales that make us smile and giggle, sometimes sad or upset.
In many ways, I feel like this is more valuable than any of the school lessons we do together in the run of a day.
And yet it is not work, it is a pleasure.
I want them to know that - the joy of reading a great book, joining in on a great adventure, falling in love with timeless characters, feeling anticipation over what will happen in the next chapter...
Right now we are reading Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne.
And let me just say - it's a million times better than the Disney version!
Our reading time often ends with a deep, happy sigh from one girl child who whispers, "Mama, I just love Winnie the Pooh."
And an inquiring, "What's the next chapter called?" from another.
Other times, I find one or another sound asleep and I can't help but think that is a lovely way to nod off.
"You seem so sad, Eeyore."
"Sad? Why should I be sad? It's my birthday. The happiest day of the year."
"Your birthday?" said Pooh in great surprise.
"Of course it is. Can't you see? Look at all the presents I have had." He waved a foot from side to side. "Look at the birthday cake. Candles and pink sugar."
Pooh looked - first to the right and then to the left.
"Presents?" said Pooh. "Birthday cake?" said Pooh. "Where?"
"Can't you see them?"
"No," said Pooh.
"Neither can I," said Eeyore. "Joke," he explained. "Ha ha!"
With one chapter left of Winnie the Pooh I've been thinking about what to read to them next.
I'm debating between The Tale of Despereaux and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
What is your favorite childhood novel?
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