Adding Children's Books to My Own Personal Reading Pile
It rained. It hailed. Lightning flashed, and then a huge ball of thunder rolled across the sky. We all looked up from our computers just in time to see Nora, our puppy, leaping into the air. Over 20 kg of dog landed thump! on Gemma-Rose’s lap.
For a moment, we were all distracted by our quivering frightened animal. When Nora had calmed down, we returned to our computer screens and we all got a shock.
“I haven’t got an Internet connection!”
“Nor have I.”
Yes, we were no longer connected to the outside world. We waited. Minutes passed. More minutes…
“I wanted to post something on my blog.”
“I have to submit a uni assignment this afternoon.”
“I was watching a Youtube video.”
Eventually I said, “It looks like the Internet isn’t going to come back any time soon. We’ll all have to do something else.”
“But what?”
We sat in silence for a while. And then someone said, “We could read a book.”
“I know!” I said. “I’ll read one of those books you added to my library pile the other day.”
“Read HIVE, Mum,” urged Gemma-Rose. “I’ll go get it for you.” She ran off and was soon back with Higher Institute of Villainous Education by Mark Walden.
I made some coffee and then settled down to read. Time passed and pages turned. The Internet remained disconnected, and before I knew it, I was saying, “Finished!”
“Did you like it, Mum?”
“Yes, it was a good story.”
“Did you laugh?”
“Oh yes, it was funny.”
“But did you understand it?”
“Of course I did!” I felt rather indignant. “It’s only a children’s novel. I can understand kids’ books. I’m an adult!”
Gemma-Rose took a step back. “I was just asking!” she said, in a huffy sort of voice.
Later I thought more about the book. Why did Gemma-Rose ask me if I understood it? Is it possible I missed something? Now I’m wondering…
Something did confuse me, but don’t tell my daughters. I wouldn’t want them to think I’m not very clever. Was it a good-defeats-evil type novel? Or perhaps the villainous adults corrupted the good kids? But maybe the children weren’t that good to begin with? And how are they going to keep the story going (there are lots more books in the series), if in fact the children are good? They can’t escape from HIVE… or can they? Actually, I have a lot of questions.
“Gemma-Rose, have we got the second HIVE book?”
We haven’t. I really must borrow it from the library. Or could I buy a Kindle copy? I mustfind out what happens next.
Yes, I rather enjoyed HIVE. Maybe I should read more children’s books. (I suspect some kids’ books are more entertaining than many adult books.) But which ones?
“What shall I read next?” I shout. “Give me some recommendations.” The girls smile. They want to share all their old friends with me. I think I understand how they feel. There’s something wonderful about sharing favourite books, isn’t there?
Do you ever choose children’s books to read, just for your own pleasure? And if you do, which ones would you suggest I put in my own personal reading pile? Please share your favourites!