Yesterday morning I visited a grade 3/4 split class in Scarborough and read to them from the latest abridged classic, Around the World in 80 Days. They had done quite a bit of work with the abridged Frankenstein earlier in the year and were apparently all very excited about having me come in that day so they could ask me some questions.
What a rush! Most of the kids in my life are ones that are related to me: a niece, some nephews, my little cousin, and the majority of them are quite small, baby-sized, in fact. So it was such a treat to be around kids who were young enough to have a sense of wonder about things, to ask such cute questions like, “What’s your favourite colour?” and “When is your birthday?”, that we as adults, don’t necessarily even contemplate anymore because we’re all so concerned about paying the mortgage and getting the house fixed.
Truthfully, they were lovely kids, very well behaved and very excited about meeting a real-life ‘author’ even if I don’t necessarily think of myself in that way. Afterwards, I signed autographs. How hilarious! If I could do this all the time, I totally would: it was good for the heart.
I think children should get to ask questions at all readings, as most of the questions tall people ask are so obnoxious. I’d much rather know your favourite colour and your birthday than hear you asked some obscure, slightly insulting quibbly question prefaced by an explanation to highlight how clever the asker really is. Your classroom visit sounds absolutely delightful, and I am glad it was fun.
Too cool — now you’re getting famous! I’ll tell S that she was the first to get your autograph!
Ahhhh…
That sounds so wonderful!