Story Time Rock Star!

We go to a lot of story times, and the the storytellers can be hit or miss.  I say “storytellers” because I believe reading to kids is an art form that transcends simply reading a book out loud and showing the pictures.

 

At libraries, the storytellers are usually pretty good (after all, they are librarians).  But at bookstores, they’re often less storyteller and more reader – dull and droning.  I often get the impression that the only reason this person is sitting in front of a group of children and reading  is because they were the last bookstore employee to say “not it” or place a finger to their nose.

 

Oh well.  We take the good with the bad.  Often, during less than stellar story times, I’ll daydream about how I would read the story differently.  After all, with over three years of reading stories out loud on a daily basis, I’ve gotten lots of practice.  I admit, I longed for the chance to ‘perform’ in front of a larger group

 

Several weeks ago, I had my opportunity.  Luke and I had dropped Charlotte off at preschool and headed to the local chain bookstore for its weekly story time.  It’s a great venue: at one end of the children’s section is a train table play area, and at the other is a small stage, complete with pillars.  I think there’s even a type of proscenium arch.

 

But back to my story.  The turnout on this day was great.  There must have been about 15-20 kids – a total crowd of about 30 – waiting anxiously for a story while sitting on the benches and floor surrounding the stage. 

 

At a couple of minutes past the appointed story time, an unfamiliar book store employee came to the stage to inform the group that, because someone had called in sick and the other children’s section clerk had left for break before they realized, today’s story time was cancelled.

 

I could not help but think that the story time gods had smiled upon me, but I didn’t want to take this chance for granted.  I proceeded cautiously.

 

As parents considered their options, I calmly noted, “Well, we are all here for a story.  It seems a shame to disappoint the kids… one of us could read a story…”

 

I let it hang out there, but just for a moment, before humbly offering…

 

“If no one else wants to… I suppose I could.”

 

A few people murmured their assent, and everyone settled back into their seats.  Someone suggested Eric Carle, and I was on.  I grabbed the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and began to the story.

 

I must say, in my humble and unbiased opinion, I was a true storyteller.  I would pause the story to ask questions (“Has anyone seen a caterpillar?  How about a butterfly?”)  I made sure all the kids saw the pictures, slowly turning the book from side to side.  I responded to kids who made comments (“He did eat a lot, Timmy – have you ever eaten that much?”)

 

I was feeling it.  The caterpillar wasn’t the only hungry one.  I had the kids eating out of my hand, and I was hungry for more. 

 

When the story concluded, I quickly offered to read another one, and my audience enthusiastically accepted.  The story time went on. 

 

I felt like a rock star.

 

Granted, Luke didn’t seem all that impressed.  His dad as storyteller was old hat for him, and he quickly lost interest and began exploring stage right. 

 

I was disappointed that Charlotte couldn’t have been there to see it.  When we picked her up, I told her what happened, and her eyes went wide.  “You told the story!?” she exclaimed.  I knew it made an impression on her because the first thing she said to Karen when she got home was,  “Mom, Dad read the story at story time.”

 

Who knows if my memory is completely accurate?  I’d like to think it is.  There is some evidence to support my recollection.  While we were unable to attend the next two story times, we did return to some acclaim on the third week.  One of the other parents greeted me enthusiastically, commenting that everyone had been talking about what a great job I had done.  I responded as humbly as I could (aw shucks, me?).

 

After having had a turn on the big stage, I suppose that whenever I’m at a story time from now on, I’ll hold out some hope that the storyteller will be a no show.  But until that day comes again, my performances will be limited to the bedroom or playroom floor in front my usual audience of two.

 

I can definitely live with that.  After all, it is a pretty good gig.

 

I hope you enjoyed today’s serving of ‘mac & cheese.”  And, screamed from a stage to a clamoring mass of screaming fans…

            Thank you, (insert your city here)!