
In a small market town in Somerset where most buildings are made from Jurassic Hamstone. The public library being one such building sits solid in the ground. Drawn as I was to it, not just because I am to anywhere that books live, the building looked as old as a gnarly tree (Ancient buildings often do) it caught my attention. I was welcomed by a sign outside saying ‘libraries love readers, step inside and read.’ So I did.
This sign I took literally, so with a huge smile, for such a miserable day … I marched right in. Reading stories and making them up has always been my thing. I have been spilling tales from my mouth uncontrollably since I could speak . I have been known (since this day) to fold myself into the children’s corner like a master of yoga and read aloud. Like a character from a Grimm’s fairy-tale or a strong magnet, people would be drawn to me … mostly small ones.
This specific day I did just that. Once I crossed my legs, I pushed my sit bones in to a cushion and began. Parents and children sat and stood around me, eyes wide, mouths open, as they sat in silence. This silence made the voices I gave the characters more pronounced and my face more animated as I read. I elaborated, asked for their input, both big and little people joined in, calling out questions and might have beens. I warmed to the twinkles in their eyes and dimpled smiles, they were the best moments. At the end I was clapped, which pinked my cheeks. I recall a moment of surprise washed over me; chased by a hot shade of embarrassment.
At that very moment a bespectacled gentleman of the Library; the custodian I believe he called himself, shushed me forcibly. So forcibly in fact I would swear his teeth rattled as If they would be blown clean from his mouth. A kind librarian stopped to ask If I would like a regular spot. We all I suspect had a lovely interlude, to an otherwise ordinary day.

What tale do you find your mind wanders to if a child asks you to tell them a story? Do you fabricate one, or prefer to read from a book? Do let me know in the comments.
I love making up stories with my nieces. But the best is when my little niece who is only just learning to read, asks to read me a story and she makes up the words that she doesn’t know!
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So cute and really special.
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I love making up stories for grandchildren, and about them too.
I used to help out in the Library in my school holidays, I loved it too. Happy Memories 💜
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To see the innocent faces as the story comes to life is magical.
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Lol, back in time I used to read to small children when I worked as a library assistant. Mothers would drop their kids off and disappear for a 15 minute break. The children used to love ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ as I remember.
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Stevie, working in a library must be a dream job. The Hungry Caterpillar is still a favourite today. according to knee high Grandchildren.
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I enjoyed it for two years, but then gave it up when I had my first son.
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but you had it, the dream job, for a while. That my friend is more than many ever get to have.
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Oh, I always tell an untold story that no even I have heard before. Sometimes, I surprise myself with what I say, but my Great Niece, Isabella, seems to love my childish stories.
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> Claps excitedly < Yes! we may have to grow older but growing up is an option I prefer to opt out of. So glad you do it too.
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I follow what my dad used to do and make them up. That said reading to my own kids was one of life’s greatest pleasures. I liked the story too!
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Oh yes, well done you a super job. Making up tales for grandchildren about their toys, friends ,or even pets always brings huge smiles. but Hairy McClary books are usually clasped in the fists of my sons three girls, seems to be a given that I read them each visit.
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