I Fell (Back) in Love With Reading Today

(Photo Courtesy: Old Children’s Books)

Dear Diary,

I hate to admit it, but I don’t read.   You won’t find me nose deep in a novel or curled up with a magazine.  Before I had kids, I bought my sister–a mommy of two–a book and got upset, because she never read it.  I understand now.  Between working, cleaning, cooking and child rearing, my time–like sand in an hourglass–runs out right at bedtime.

I used to be an avid reader before becoming a mommy however.  I would read multiple books at a time, often losing track  of where I left off at the end of the night.  I fell asleep with my glasses on and probably broke a frame or two over the years.  I didn’t mind really.  I would just start from the beginning and get lost in the pages all over again.  While in Cayman, I penned my first novel (It’s in a prolonged editing stage), signed up to a book club and joined a writing group.   I nearly cried when Joseph Beth Booksellers closed its Pittsburgh doors.  And when Borders announced it too was shut ting down, I wanted to start a Save the Store Campaign.  I didn’t mind ordering books online when I couldn’t find a title, but there was nothing more relaxing and exciting than searching the shelves in person.

So it was a pleasant surprise when I stumbled upon a used and rare book store on my lunch break.  I was thrilled!  The sales associate didn’t express the same emotion, but he did direct me to the children’s section, where Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein gave me a warm welcome.  I loved that the books overflowed to the floor.  Some were signed.  Some were new.  Some were worn.  Despite crinkled corners, the same stories were being told, and I couldn’t wait to introduce my daughter to Mother Goose and Raggedy Ann.   The store also offered a diverse list.  Indian, Israeli, African-American and Hispanic characters lined the shelves.

I ended up buying Molly and the Magic Dress, Oh the Places You’ll Go and Red Light, Green Light Mama and Me.  The last title is about a working mom, which is perfect timing now that I am back in my office.

Here’s a list of other books about working moms:

ADVENTURE ANNIE by Toni Buzzeo

BY THE DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT by Karen Ackerman

A CHAIR FOR MY MOTHER by Vera B. Williams

DON’T FORGET I LOVE YOU by Miriam Moss

COMING ON HOME SOON by Jacqueline Woodson

MAMA ALWAYS COMES HOME by Karma Wilson

MAMA, I’LL GIVE YOU THE WORLD by Roni Schotter

MAMA’S COMING HOME by Kate Banks

MOMMY’S BRIEFCASE by Alice Low

MY MOM IS A FIREFIGHTER by Lois G. Grambling

MY MUM GOES TO WORK by Kes Gray

MY WORKING MOM by Peter Glassman

OH MY BABY, LITTLE ONE by Kathi Appelt

POOR MONTY by Anne Fine

WHEN MAMA COMES HOME TONIGHT by Eileen Spinelli

DFTM family, what’s your favorite title to read your little one?  Currently, I’m reading Pete the Cat adventures to my daughter.