storyteller in the making

Last Monday it was my turn to help with library for Jo's class. Luckily Matt had the morning off and could stay home with Mallory. I grabbed two books from home and drove to school.

The bell rings and a stampede of kids come in from recess. Thirteen first graders hang up their jackets and file into the library. The computer is on the fritz, so check out is done with paper and pencil. I write down each child's name and then the title of the book they have chosen to take home.

After I've written down all the names of students and books, the kids take a seat on the rug. I sit on a blue plastic chair and hold up the first book. Its a children's book about Easter my girls picked out at the Sussex library. Every page of the book has vibrant illustrations, done in stained-glass-window style. Since its Holy Week, I thought it would be a good choice. I stumble a bit over the words, as this story of Jesus' last days comes directly from the King James Bible, complete with cometh and believeth and sepulchre.

The children listen attentively and interrupt me with questions:

Why did the soldiers arrest Jesus?

Why do they call Jesus King of the Jews?

Why is it called Good Friday when its the day Jesus dies on the cross?

How does Jesus rise from the dead?

Does God's magic lift Jesus' body to heaven?

When I respond with, Now, that 's a very good question, suddenly two or three other students volunteer possible answers. A lively discussion ensues.

Eventually they calm down and are ready for the second story. Its another book my girls discovered at the Sussex library. Squid & Octopus: Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu. Its a heartwarming story about friendship with fanciful drawings on each page. Its a fun book to read aloud, making voices for the side comments from supporting characters.

On days like this I sometimes envision my future self as a school librarian. Taking time to keep books properly ordered on the shelves. Searching out new stories to read aloud to the children. And on special occasions, showing a video like The Gruffalo. From where I'm sitting right now, that sounds pretty dreamy. Or, at least its a good back up option if the National Park Service won't take me as a completely unqualified ranger.