A few years ago, my mom gave me a book for Christmas: Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever! At first I was a little confused. I was pregnant with our first child, but I was a 3rd grade teacher. If there is anything I had an abundance of, it was children’s books. I wondered why she would give me a book when I already had so many (I think my collection was numbered at about 850 books). Then I opened the cover. Instantly, I recognized the picture on the inside. This book was a favorite of mine growing up. With 4 older brothers and sisters, by the time the book reached my hands, it was missing both covers and was held together only with red tape carefully placed along the spine. I never saw the cover or knew the title or author. But that book and I spent many evenings together.
When I flipped through the pages, I found the stories I had enjoyed as a child. Nothing had changed. All the pictures were there, just as I remembered them. I found myself smiling as I reunited with the stories like they were old friends. I was amazed at the vivid memories that came flooding back as I reread those familiar words. I could close my eyes and remember sitting on my mom’s lap, in our old house, hearing her voice read about the little bear that “hides” on his daddy’s shoulders.
Now, I sit with my little toddler and read that same book to her. I flip through until I find my favorites selections. And I read to her for as long as she’ll sit still. I am excited for the day when she will understand the humor in the stories. I know I’ll smile as she points to the objects that are named in great abundance and ask me what a typewriter is (did I mention the copyright is 1968?). It can be a surreal experience, feeling like a mom and a little girl all at the same time. Richard Scarry’s Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever! may not go down in history as one of great literary works of all time. But to me, it will always be a classic.
Inspired by this book, I am trying to reunite with other favorites of my childhood. Namely,
- Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (my all-time favorite!!)
- The Mr. Men Collection
- Amelia Bedelia
- Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (which I used to read to my class and they LOVED hearing!)
- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Next time you are at the library, look for one of your old friends. Get excited as you recite familiar phrases. Gaze on the pictures you remember so well (hopefully the publisher didn’t “update” them!). Let the memories of people, places, and times long lost come flooding back. Then call your child over share the book together. Make a new memory with that book. And enjoy the moment as your child makes new friends with your old friend.
Save your experiences as you reconnect with your old friends and be ready to share in October. 5 Minutes for Books will be hosting “reread a childhood favorite” in Children’s Classics on October 13 and we want to hear your stories!
Lisa left full time teaching for full time mommy-ing. She loves this new job, but will always be a teacher at heart and blogs about it at Teach at Home.
Lauren says
I still have my original copies of Where the Wild Things Are, Ramona the Pest, and the Little House books. They are treasured! Your mom’s Christmas present was a great idea. Now, your daughter will treasure the book as much as you do!
Jennifer, Snapshot says
That was a great gift idea!
My daughter’s teacher read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle to her class, too, and it thrilled me because it was a childhood favorite.
Carrie, Reading to Know says
What a fabulous set of memories! Thanks for sharing!
cherie de castro says
books are a biggie in our home, too!
Jennifer says
I also have fond memories of Richard Scary, and being the oldest I remember the cover.
Trish says
We had Richard Scarey when I was young too.
My favorite was Lowly Worm…I always wished I had a little “apple car” to drive around. 🙂