Sometimes I see half a blurry face. Sometimes I see only feet. Sometimes a dog suddenly appears on the screen.
4-year-old Abby and 6-year-old Sadie are two wiggly and giggly sisters.
The girl’s attention span can weave in and out. This is not unusual for children. Especially when I am reading a book to them in front of a computer screen.
I do know they are listening to me because of how they respond. The questions they ask: “Where is the guard dog that barks as loudly as a dinosaur’s roar?” Their faces are now glued to the screen.
They sometimes become very still and quiet, engaged in the story.
Their faces will zoom in closer to get a good look at the pictures.
At times they ask me to bring the book closer to the screen. Especially when they are both trying to find the dragonflies.
When A Book Is More Beautiful In Real Life
I opened the box from Amazon and I was thrilled to see the book, “Molly Finds Her Purr” had arrived. I knew I would like this book since I love Pamela Wight’s writing. I have been following her popular blog for over a year. Rough Wighting
Pamela Wight has written a delightful, engaging story about Molly, a lonely, stray cat. This story shares a message of kindness, inclusivity and compassion. Molly meets some unique, colourful animal characters who help Molly feel accepted. They create “A Circle of Friendship” and they help Molly find her purr.
The detailed artwork in this book is exceptional. The vibrant colours help bring this captivating story and the animals to life.
Life Is Different Right Now
Cuddling and reading stories used to always go together.
We are all trying to find new ways to navigate this new life.
Our present day Love Language is Connecting.
Today, this means virtual connections while we are sheltering-in-place. Letting friends and family know we are thinking about them.
Children are adjusting to this new life, too.
We Set The Example For Our Children:
- To be kind. Respect the boundaries and recommendations to help people stay healthy and safe. Yet not live in fear.
- Adult worries do not belong on children’s shoulders.
- To model grace under pressure.
- It is okay to feel sad one moment, and be smiling the next.
- To expect change. Change is a constant in life always. Especially today.
- To feel hopeful. People have adapted, evolved since the beginning of time. We are still here.
- To play. To have fun. To create. To find joy in each day.
- To be grateful. Always remember how lucky we are.
Our children are watching us.
Reading a book to children in the Zoom room and on a computer screen can be a challenge.
It does make it easier when I am reading an engaging, fun, beautiful book like “Molly Finds Her Purr.”
Of course, I would rather cuddle with Abby and Sadie in person.
For now, I am happy to see feet, half a blurry face, a dog and
Especially a Smile.
What type of connections are you making with family, friends and children while we are sheltering-in-place?
Postscript: In future I plan to make one on one reading dates. There was some bickering on whose turn it was to find the dragonfly on each page. In the past, they have appreciated the dedicated time and undivided attention.
Link to Goodreads review: “Molly Finds Her Purr”
Amazon.ca: “Molly Finds Her Purr”
Amazon.com: “Molly Finds Her Purr”
Zoom reading date with Abby and Sadie photo credits: Thank you to my daughter and my husband.
Behind the Scenery 
Wow! I’m late to the party. Look at all these comments. There are so many things I like about your post, Erica. First off, the magic of reading to children never gets old. Look at those receptive faces! I enjoyed a lot about teaching, but that was the one constant that could make any day get better. To turn a kid onto reading, a particular book, a series, an author, or a genre was the best high. I read with my son through sixth grade, and those special father/son moments are irreplaceable One doesn’t have to be a teacher to appreciate the joys of reading.
Your list of setting an example for children is right out of the Pete Springer playbook.
1. Be kind—that should be easy for all of us. Children learn behaviors from their role models.
2. Adult worries—kids have enough things to be stressed out about as it is. No need to add to it.
3. Grace under pressure—one of the most valuable things to learn is to remain calm during a crisis.
4. Sad to smiling—life is not one happy picnic. Kids need to be taught strategies to pick themselves back up.
5. Constant change—a certain amount of change is what makes life interesting.
6. Hopefulness—Optimism is the fuel for any idea. As one of my favorite politicians once said, “Keep hope alive!”
7. Playfulness and joy—I was the goofy teacher running around playing tag games with my class during P.E.
8. Gratefulness—As bad as we might have it someday, somebody has it worse. Be thankful and humble.
Outstanding list of advice! This list should be Parenting 101.
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Hi Pete, One of my fondest memories is when my Father read the Hans Christian Anderson stories (in German) to me when I was a child. I know these are the memories your son will hold close.
Thank you for your thoughtful and comprehensive comment. “Molly finds her purr” is a beautiful book and fun to read on Zoom and even better in real life.
I extra love how you have elaborated on each point with your first hand knowledge and sharing your wisdom, Pete. I greatly appreciate your kind and supportive words.
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