Books In A Van

My oldest granddaughter is seven years old.
She will soon be in second grade.
She loves to read.
There is always a book in her hand.

She cannot wait to tell me what she is reading.
She tells me all about the plot and the characters.
She has read aloud to me.
Her ability to read and comprehend is quite amazing.

She comes from a reading family.
Both her parents are avid readers.
Her Grandma is a reader as well.
She has been exposed to books at an early age.

Trips to the library are a weekly occurrence.
Like her mommy as a girl, going to the library means filling your satchel with books.
My granddaughter is now reading chapter books.
Books like Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew were favorites of mine as well.

This past week, I had a book signing at a lovely boutique not far from my home.
Another author was there as well.
I know this author from a community of writers, artists, and musicians of which we are both a part.
She and I had such a lovely time talking about books, writing, gardening, and the Lord.

To my surprise, my daughter and my oldest granddaughter came to visit me.
How wonderful that they could meet Miss Christie.
Knowing that this author/friend loves books, I knew my granddaughter found a kindred spirit.
My granddaughter told my author/friend how many books she has read this summer.

I read books all the time like you when I was your age, my author/friend said.
I was a voracious reader just like you! She continued.
My granddaughter latched on to that wonderful word: voracious.
She now has a new word to describe her love of reading.

You know, my author/friend said, I have books in the back of my van.
I am going to donate them, but I’m sure I have some chapter books you would enjoy.
My daughter and granddaughter went out to her van.
I saw them going through books from the boutique’s window.

My author/friend has four children.
The books my granddaughter chose were her youngest daughter’s books.
She has read them, enjoyed them, and has now outgrown them.
They are getting new life in another family and with another little girl.

They put the books in their own van rather than bringing them into the boutique.
I heard about the ones that were chosen.
I saw the excitement in my granddaughter’s eyes.
She had never heard of this particular series before.

We had four of my grandchildren overnight this past weekend.
As expected, my oldest granddaughter brought the three books that Miss Christie gave to her.
She told me the story in the book she was reading, which is a mystery to be solved.
She told me who she thought might have been the culprit and all the reasons why.

Without libraries, my daughter would be buying books all the time.
With libraries, a world of adventure is at my grandchildren’s fingertips.
My mother always told me: you’re never without a friend when you have a good book.
That was true when I was little and it is still true now.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

My author/friend left the book signing to generously share the books in her van.
Her kindness brought such joy to my granddaughter.
She encouraged, she listened, and she acted.
It was true hospitality in action.

Never underestimate little things.
Something insignificant to you can be so meaningful to someone else.
Especially to a child, kindness goes a long way.
The word, voracious, is now my granddaughter’s way of describing herself as a reader.

How wonderful that books in a van could bring so much joy.
A little kindness goes a long way.
Kindness multiplies, especially when we pass it on.
Thank you, Miss Christie.

2 responses to “Books In A Van”

1. As a bibliophile myself, I can relate very well to this story! I’m glad your granddaughter loves books and reading, I worry about kids today on screens— there’s nothing like a real book in your hand and turning the pages. It excites the imagination!

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   • Amen, Sue! There is nothing like a real book in your hands. My grandchildren love books and that makes my heart so happy.
     Gina

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