Monday, October 23, 2006

A wild rumpus

I helped out at my son's preschool during afternoon snack today. After the kids were done with their snacks, they got ready for outdoor play. Those who were faster than others looked at books until everyone was done. As I cleaned up after them, I watched my son pick out Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. "That's a good book," I said to him with a smile.

So tonight at bedtime, I pulled it from the bookcase and said, "What about this one?" Usually he refuses my suggestions, part of the whole assertion-of-self thing. But tonight I received a big smile and an enthusiastic "OK!"

We climbed into his bed and began to read about Max and his adventures. As I read it, I revelled in the wonderful cadence of the words and the rich illustrations. My son laughed at Max chasing the dog (with a fork!) and quieting the monsters with his fearsome stare.

It was only a few minute, but one of those serendipitous moments when everything else ceased to be a concern and I could just enjoy existing. With my son right by me.

2 comments:

Bea said...

I was just thinking the other day that it's about time I broke that one out to share with Bub. My only hesitation is that he already has 5-10 books he likes to read before bedtime - at this rate, we won't be getting the lights out until 9!

Mouse said...

We've managed to get down to one book, occasionally two, at bedtime. The trick for me now, is to keep it from being Thomas every single night.

Tonight, I read him a numbers book first and then brought out "In the Night Kitchen." Another fun Sendak moment.