Knuffle Bunny

Jeff and I started the tradition a long time ago. We call it a "date", but it's really not. We get in the car together, and leave the kids with a sitter for a few hours...but that is where the semblance of the date ends. We started it before we were married. I think it's one of the reasons we get along so well. It's a passion for books.

We head over to Barnes and Nobel. We hold hands until we get into the door, and then, we split up. Jeff usually heads over to the Science Fiction /Fantasy section, and eventually ends up in the motorcycle magazine section. I take the straight line back to the children's section. My literacy mentality never matured passed Newbery Award books. I still have not read all of them. Although it is one of my long term goals.

I just remember in high school having to read Orwell, Steinbeck and Hemingway...and hating all of them. Their bleak outlooks on life and human nature. Their choice of tragic subject matter. The glorification of the natural man. I strongly believed that my high school in Pontiac had some of the very best literature teachers in the world. I received a very strong English education that gave me a real advantage in college. And even though I enjoyed my teachers interpretations on the symbolism, and the knowledge they shared with us about the authors lives, I decided then that I would rather get lost in fairy tales and fantasy and focus on what is possible, rather than stripping away all hope of something better and staring stark reality in the face.

I quickly discovered Tolkien on my own...and then stepped backwards to more magical and innocent works of literary art...and realized then that these are the types of books I want to spend my time reading.

Not all grown up books are depressing. Everyone loves Jane Austin. I have not appreciated her until recently. And in college, I did have a short love affair with Michael Crichton. But other than that, most of my favorite books are children's works. There are deep, meaningful and profound messages in children's literature. And they are filled with heroes and hope.

I discovered a new Author last Friday. Jeff and I met up in the cafe for Hot Chocolate and he showed me the new Halo novel and pointed out a few items in one of the motorcycle magazines...and I showed him Knuffle Bunny by Mo Williams. We both laughed. And I can't believe I haven't read anything by Mo Williams before. Especially since I pride myself on knowing some of the best authors and books in children's lit.

The author's sense of humor is similar to David Shannon, another one of my favorite authors. Anyways, when I find a book this darling I have the need to share. So put it on hold at the library, or pick up a copy at the bookstore and read it to your kids. I promise you, you will laugh!