So I was at the library today trying to find one of my favorite books as a kid, Bella by Anne and Edward Syfret. It is about an evil doll and two friends during World War II ish. It’s much more clever than that description, and I just loved it, and have read it multiple times even as an adult.
Despite heroic effort on the part of two children’s librarians, today I discovered that the library has GOTTEN RID OF MY PRECIOUS BOOK. NOOOOO.
As an admitted bookaholic, anytime the library gets rid of books, even if they suck, a part of me dies a little inside. I love books. I looooove books. If Bella, an awesome little book that is much more sophisticated than a lot of contemporary children’s books, is doomed, what does that say about Sue Barton, Student Nurse?? My heart it doth break should more classics be relegated to the trash.
So I went on Amazon and bought the book, a sturdy library version, even, for $1.50. The shipping cost more than the book. And when it arrives, it ushers in a new era: The Melissa Buying Every Children’s Book She Has Ever Liked Era.
It was bound to happen.
Been there, continue to do that. I buy a new copy of The Westing Game every time it changes covers . . . no matter how lame. It took about six months to track down a first edition and trust me, it’s seen better days indeed, but it sits in a place of honor on my bookshelf at school. My students are welcome to use any edition they choose . . . just not that one.
Now, when you are able to put a name to a silly childhood game you played as a kid with your sister which is so bizarre that it can only be based upon a 17th century French fable, we’ll shoot the breeze. Then again, you had me at Sue Barton, Student Nurse.
So, in other words, you’ve joined Mom’s camp. 😛