“Do you think it’s bad that I haven’t read any of the classic books, you know, the ones most people typically read?” Adi asked from the backseat of the car.
“What do you mean?” I asked, wondering what made her think of this question on a Sunday afternoon while we were out running errands.
“I’ve never read Flat Stanley or even Enemy Pie,” she announced, a little giggle in her voice.
This sparked a backseat conversation between Adi and Rose. I kept my eyes on the road, but my ears on the conversation happening behind me.
“I never read the one about Smudge,” Rose announced.
“Smudge?” Adi said. “Do you mean Henry and Mudge? I love those. If you like Henry and Mudge you should definitely read Snowball and Annie.”
They went back and forth about The Princess in Black, Mercy Watson, and many others.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Adi’s recent arrival to the reading scene (you can read about that here). It’s been fun to see her blossom into a reader. I’m still not sure where her wonder about reading “the classics” came from, but I was happy to hear the book buzz and reminiscing of favorite characters filling our Sunday afternoon.
Where There Is Joy 
Eavesdropping on kid car conversations is simply the best! It’s fun to be left wondering where her “classics” question came from. As parents sometimes we want to know it all, but the wondering can be fun. The sweet conversation between two readers is a testament to all you’ve exposed them to.
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It’s the best to listen in to those car conversations! I love the “Smudge” part so much – and the “if you like… you should read….” Such a great book chat- so sweet.
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Priceless! I tribute Henry and Mudge to my success in teaching many a child to learn to read! Yay – Cynthia Rylant!
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This conversation made me think back to when my kids were little. My younger son learned to read so young and so quickly that I never got to listen to him read “Mrs. Wishy Washy” and so many other readers that taught his older brother. To this day I have no idea how he learned- it literally felt like an overnight event. Enjoy these readers going back and forth- so much book love to share.
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It is so good that children enjoy reading. I feel happy that our grandchildren love books.
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It is so satisfying to see children reading books.
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This piece is super charming! And it reminded me of some books I love, though I didnt realize they were classics until now! (Keep up the eavesdropping, its wonderful.)
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Your piece is super charming! And it reminded me of some old faves, although I didnt realize they were “classics!” (Keep up that eavesdropping, how fun.)
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I so enjoyed this slice that shows me how I hope my granddaughter will be in several years… discussing books and not just listening to me read while holding her stuffed animal!
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This is when you know you’ve done something right!
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If your girls share book titles when they are having a backseat conversation, you must feel real bliss! I wanted my sisters to love books as I did, but I had to settle for a cousin who was as crazy about the “classic” Nancy Drew as I was!
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