My granddaughter Robin is coming to visit the farm on March 17.
I’ve been planning and plotting things to keep her busy and happy. I called Heather at Battenkill Books and asked her to go through their giant pile of graphic novels for kids and remember that this is a Precious Brooklyn six-year-old.
People here know what that means without being told. I have a bag filled with paints and brushes and canvas paper. Today was the day to get some books.
She knew what I meant. We picked out five or six books I like, including one on Jane Goodall and another titled “Even Superheroes Get Scared” by Shelly Becker, a sure-fire winner.
Robin loves superheroes, but they make her nervous sometimes.
Heather is wonderful to work with; she is in the tradition of the old bookstore book owners and clerks who never run out of ideas for people to read and never give up on matching people with books.
(I always get a kick out of people who tell me what it was I meant to say:
(Jenny Peccora was displeased: “The word you’re looking for is “precocious,” not “precious.” This is the second time you’ve made that error.” How strange; it is just the right word for me; I can’t wait to use it again,)
So glad Robin and Emma coming to visit….I know it does not happen often that you get to see them. Looks like you will be keeping Robin engaged in many ways! You speak of Heather at Battenkill…….is Connie still there as well? Hope so…..I’ve had numerous dealings with Connie and all were wonderful…..a good local bookstore is a wonderful thing….. hope your *medical maintenance* is going well!
Susan M
The word you’re looking for is “precocious,” not “precious.” This is the second time you’ve made that error.
I can’t wait to use it again, Jenny; I love the word; please mind your own business, thanks..I love it when people tell me what I meant to say – America in 2023. Precocious is the right word. Precious is what is in my heart. I’ll leave it there if it’s okay with you. It works for me.
What wonderful choices! When I was teaching preschool the second half of the year I would read Mercy Watson out loud with my kids. We read 1or 2 chapters each day and then would predict what would happen when we returned to the book. We all liked to see if our predictions were right, sometimes we were surprised with the next chapter! At the end of each Mercy Watson book we finished we would have a “toast with a great deal of butter” party. Even my wiggley kiddos enjoyed and participated in this activity. It was a fun way to introduce a love of reading. Robin is going to enjoy all of the fun art and reading choices you and Maria are providing!
Retired children librarian here. I am so envious of your fabulous independent bookstore. I checked out their website and got so many great ideas for new books. The books chosen for your granddaughter are superlative. Love, love, love DeCamillo.
All of our independent bookstores are gone in northwest Indiana — even our Borders and other large chains. Such a shame. Thank you so much for this post and letting me journey to NY state.
Gail, Battenkill Books is as good a bookstore as any I saw when I lived in New York City…Connie and the staff are nothing short of amazing..if you ever need a book, you can call them at 518 677 2515 and they will ship it right out to y ou..
Hey Jon, You need to write another book about your dogs and life now at Bedlam farm. I’ve been reading all your dog books again and just love them. It would be so great if you would compose a new book.
Thanks, Sue; no more books for me. The blog is my book now, and I’m very happy with it. Thanks for the good words.