When I was a young boy, books were an important part of learning and entertainment. One book I was given, the inscription from my Auntie Peg remains on the inside cover, was Babette Cole's "The Trouble with Mom." It's a classic, colorful tale, full of gross stuff and a weirdo/witch mom eventually saving the day and becoming an important part of the once-anxious neighborhood.
A different Babette Cole book I still have is called "The Hairy Book." I've been reading with my own kids often enough. One part we all got re-accustomed to was the "hairy dad" drawing. Whenever we get to it during a read through, I usually joke and say: Hey! Look, it's me!
The kids will laugh and say, Jeeze, dad, it is you! Camille even introduces me to her friends, and teachers, and even her friend's parents, as her "hairy daddy." I usually shrug, and smile, and gently nod.
But on this last read through, the very next page has a line about "the drink that grandpa likes best puts curly hairs on his chest,: and has the following picture:
When we turned the page from hairy dad to this shirtless grandpa the other night, Camille squealed and said: "Wow! That's even more you!"
More crestfallen than amused, all I could say was, "That's...less flattering..." while Corrie choked on her own laughter.
I love this family!
oh hairy daddy.... you are the best.....
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