Today in protest of his regular afternoon nap Mack decided to tear apart one of his absolute favorite books. After listening to him chat and whine and sing and yell for nearly an hour, I went up to his room and saw the destruction. Shreds of paper littered the floor, and little Mack couldn’t have been more pleased with himself.
The book, “I Spy School Days: A Book of Picture Riddles,” belonged to my cousin Kevin when he was a boy. Although Kevin is now a 20-something college student living in the big city, this book was a sweet reminder of the days when he was small. Kevin’s name scrawled inside the cover reminded me to slow down savor this time with my little boy. I know someday much too soon Mack will be living his own life and I’ll miss his toddler giggles and snuggles and pleas for attention.
Mack-the-Destroyer will likely strike again, but I just re-ordered the book for him. As a frugal (and smart!) mama I ordered it used from amazon.com. Santa brought the kids several used Amazon books for Christmas (“Angelina Ballerina” for Evie and “Curious George” for Mack) and every copy is in great shape. I don’t know that I’ll ever buy the kids “new” books again because the used ones just make so much more sense – they save me nearly 75%! Oh, and buying used really helps out Mother Nature!
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I am constantly amazed by how destructive my boys are. And, truthfully, I’m constantly envious of my friends’ little girls, sitting peacefully with a craft or a book, and acting sane. I’ve actually muttered the words “see? This is why we can’t have nice things!”
I totally agree–haven’t bought a “new” book in forever. Not only is buying used both cheap and responsibly recycled, but it’s fun to know that each book has another “story,” apart from what’s in the words! PS this reminded me that I’ve always meant to get you guys my favorite kids book, “Blue Hat Green Hat.” It’s on its way from Amazon now!!
I too am fond of used books and frequent the local library Used Book Sale. Proceeds go to your local library. Although Amazon is a great place to easily find the book you’re looking for, the library book sale is like a treasure hunt and I always end up with more than I started out to get!