One of my fondest memories of my grandmother, Nana is when she would tell me a bedtime story. Nana always created the most interesting stories. Every bedtime story was different but they always began with a little girl embarking on an amazing adventure. I loved listening to her stories. She was and still is a great story teller.
Our bedtime ritual with Lil' C has always been a special time. When he was a baby, I would put on Juan Luis Guerra's "Como Abeja Al Panal" and dance with him until he fell asleep. As Lil' C got older, I started to read him various bedtime stories. Loved having him snuggle up against me as he sucked on his bobo (pacifier) & listened intently to various bedtime stories. One of his favorite stories was "Doggies". He loved that book so much he chewed and eventually ripped out most of the pages! haha I did replace the book but as his attention span grew so did his book collection... which meant more time for cuddling and bonding.
Lil' C no longer has a bobo but is now incredibly attached to his blanket which is always near him when we read bedtime stories. Right now my favorite bedtime story is "The Boy Who Grew Flowers". The story is about a boy who is shunned at school because he sprouts flowers all over his body. When a new girl who appreciates his unique talent comes to school, he begins to develop a liking to her and makes her a special gift. I won't tell you anymore as to not spoil the story but it's truly magical. Here is my favorite excerpt:
"Rink imagined her dancing. He thought that thought so long, and the feeling deep inside him was so pleasant, that even though the full moon had not yet risen, he sprouted a bunch of wild pink roses from the top of his head."
I choose all of Lil' C's bedtime storybooks with great care and hope one day he will share these treasures with his own children and enjoy this special bonding time as much as we do.
For more bedtime stories, check out this week's Sunday Scribbles.
You are instilling a love for reading in C that he will have forever.
Posted by: GR | 30 October 2006 at 02:36
Thanks for your comment. :-)
I used to salsa dance Sage to sleep. It was the only thing that worked. We read lots as well. I also like to make up stories about the mischievious activities that his Bionicles are up to when he is sleeping.
Posted by: Michelle | 30 October 2006 at 03:04
I agree that it is important to choose storybooks carefully. There are so many junky kid books out there and it is so important to try to fill children's little minds with good things. I love the enthralled expression in the photo.
I also wanted to say thanks for sharing the photo and pics of Parc Paradisio. Fascinating place!
Posted by: Rena | 30 October 2006 at 04:21
I love bedtime stories. My new favorite is "Grandfather Twilight".
Posted by: bonnie | 30 October 2006 at 05:46
Hi,
Would you please email me? I have a question for you and don't see a 'contact' email address for you on your blog. Thanks!
Posted by: bonnie | 30 October 2006 at 05:51
I am going to look for The Boy Who Grew Flowers, I bet my girls would like that story.
Posted by: meredith | 30 October 2006 at 08:05
Sounds like a lovely story!
Posted by: Kamsin | 30 October 2006 at 08:08
Hmmm...I will add the boy who grew flowers to my amazon list! Sounds like a story my son would like. I left someother books a four year old boy would like for you in my comments. ;)
:)
Posted by: Amber | 30 October 2006 at 16:34
Being read to is the best! Great photo.
Posted by: ally bean | 30 October 2006 at 21:45
The Boy Who Grew Flowers is one of my very favorites as well!
Posted by: Alexandra | 03 November 2006 at 15:53