Braden the Bookworm
by Jennifer Hall
Braden loves books! The word “love” often gets thrown around casually nowadays. But, I can honestly say that he truly, and wholeheartedly,
LOVES
books.
Braden first showed a strong interest in books around the time he turned one. He has never cared much for traditional children’s toys - books are his toys. He loves nothing more than flipping through the pages of his favorite stories. You will rarely see him without a book in his hand – no matter if he’s at the zoo, a ballgame, shopping, beach, playground, swimming pool… you get my point. And, not just any old book will do! He’s very particular about what he wants to “read” and will not let you pick out a book for him. Over the years we’ve bought multiple copies of some of his favorites, because he will flip through them until the pages fall out. They are his passion.
If you want to become Braden’s friend, it’s simple – offer to read him a book. He might ignore you at first, but if you ask him if he would like to read a book…. he’s your buddy! He would love nothing more than to listen to someone read to him from morning until bedtime – or when your voice goes – whichever comes first. I can’t begin to estimate the hours that our family has read to Braden over the last 8 years.
When you ask Braden where he wants to go, you will most likely receive the response of “library” or “bookstore”. Both places bring him joy. Don’t bother with toy stores - they aren’t his thing. I’ve wasted more money than I care to admit buying various toys for him. I’ve finally embraced the fact that he only wants books, and it makes gift buying very simple. Everyone knows what to buy him for birthdays and Christmas! He’s amassed quite a personal library.
Braden has not yet learned to read. However, he has the most amazing memory, and often helps me “read” his books. My hope is that Braden will eventually learn. This obviously isn’t a stage or fad for him, and I can only imagine the happiness he will feel when he reads and understands all of the words on his beloved books!
