Books to Babies

One week ago today I became a grandma. I know what you are thinking – I’m waaaaaaaay too young to be a grandmother and you would be right. My first born is on the verge of passing me up in age.

Packing baby and new mommy up to come home from the hospital after an extended stay we all felt a little apprehensive. It’s been a few years since we had a baby in the house. The hospital did what they could to help with the transition by sending us home with everything we would need – a folder full of information, a t-shirt from the hospital, and baby’s first book.

Our hospital, in partnership with the local school district, started a Books to Babies program to spread the word about the importance of reading to newborns right from the start. Each newborn is sent home with a book and brochures about the benefits of reading to baby.

Like the folder full of information, we followed these instructions right from the beginning. Baby and mommy both have trouble staying awake during story time, but it gives them an opportunity to cuddle. When grandpa reads he adds in the animal sounds. The entire family perks up and listens in - what kind of noise could he possibly come up with for the gerbil?

We don’t have much to offer a newborn, we are merely bookstore owners, but we have plenty of love and books – lots and lots of books. Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny are coming home tonight. Mommy put in a request for Pat the Bunny– with the stuffed bunny of course. Starting today and for the rest of his life, we will be building his personal library one book at a time. Any suggestions?

To E-Read or Not To-E-Read

This morning while reaching to beat the alarm into silence, I knocked over the stack of books waiting patiently on my nightstand for my attention. Stumbling out of bed, I tripped over the mound waiting to take the next open spot on the nightstand. Using both hands I was able to lift my novel laden purse onto to my poor aching shoulder and bring it to my car where I had to shove the emergency pile off the seat to make room. This morning was nothing unusual. Books have always been a large part of my life and I’m most content surrounded by them.

However, I am beginning to second guess my earlier thoughts on portable electronic readers . I don’t own one and in fact have never even seen one up close – or for that matter, from a distance. In my spare time (ha-ha) I dabble in a little proofreading and editing. The majority of the manuscripts are sent electronically; corrections are made, and then sent back. Computers are an amazing invention! Occasionally after a long day of staring at the screen I am visited by white ghosts dancing before my eyes. This is what I expect the experience of an e-reader to be.

Would the convenience of carrying this small device rather than a heap of paperbacks make up for this? I will never give up books. It is so much more than the written word which draws me to them. I love the sound of the pages turning and nothing beats the musty book smell or the surprise chocolate morsel waiting for my enjoyment since the last time the pages were opened. But, maybe it’s time to add to my experience. To join this century. I’m sure it’s not really as hard as I expect. Why, just last year I gave up my trusty VCR after it ate tape two of Titanic. (Does anyone know how it ends?)


If you happen to work for Sony or any other company which creates or sells electronic readers; or if you happen to have extra cash you don’t know what to do with, feel free to send me one and I will be happy to give a more knowledgeable opinion.