This week we couldn't stay in the house any longer. So despite the rain, we dragged ourselves out of the house and into the car. Then I was faced with the question: where do we go? I really didn't want to go to a crowded place, like an indoor play place. While we do we love a good play place that lets my kids burn off some energy. I was soggy and just didn't have the energy to be on alert as they run and tumble with tons of other kids. I also didn't want to spend money. We, like many families, are working to stay on a budget and going shopping just to get out of the house wouldn't be great for our budget.
There we sat, raincoats dripping, in the driveway trying to think of where to go. That is when I thought of the Library. It won't be too crowded and it is FREE! We live in Hanson, but that doesn't mean that is the only library we could go to. First went to the Halifax library. We met the wonderful librarian there and we played in the fabulous little playroom for a while. After we left there I wasn't ready to go home yet (it wasn't naptime yet). So we went to the Kingston library where we met Librarian Mike Slawson.
Libraries might be the most magical places on earth. You can learn almost anything and many libraries have rooms filled with toys, games, and puzzles just waiting to be used. The staff of most libraries love to share their passion for books and learning with patrons of all ages. That brings us back to our new friend, Mr. Slawson the librarian.
My daughter A told Mr. Slawson that she LOVES legos and everything about legos. He immediately got up, and much to my surprise, matched A's enthusiasm as he described a great program that the Kingston Library has with the little plastic blocks. Every Monday evening kids show up and build a creation, which is then displayed in the library all week. Mr. Slawson also suggested, since A loves to build and create things, that we read "Rosie Revere Engineer" by Andrea Beaty. Of course, we checked it out,
We brought the book home and my daughter and I read it that night. The book is beautifully illustrated but David Roberts and the sing-song rhythm of the writing makes it a joy to read and listen to.
The book is about a little girl named Rosie Revere who secretly wants to be an engineer. She creates things up in her attic when no one is watching. We soon find out that her dream has not always been a secret, when she was younger she made a creation that was a flop and was laughed at. From that point on she did not share her talent. Then one day her great-great-aunt Rose (image of Rosie the Riveter) comes to stay for a while. Inspired by her aunt's tales of how she fulfilled her dreams and met her goals, Rosie decides to try sharing her inventions again.
Rosie creates something very special for her Aunt! The time comes for the big reveal and again it is a flop.
Tears are in our eyes as we turn the page. Rosie is heartbroken and vows to never build again. But just as Rosie starts to cry, her aunt Rose jumps for joy and claps her hands. You see, Rosie may have failed but it was a great attempt and it gave her information on how to do it better next time. "Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit."
My heart swells with this message that is so important for all children, especially young girls who by the age of 9 are more likely to lose self-confidence and self-assurance.
My daughter and I have read this book at least once a day since we checked it out of the library and I hope the lesson we both learned, that the only way to fail is to quit, follows her throughout life.
Go to your local library and check out this book. While you are there meet your local librarians. They are all wonderful people who love to share their love of books. Be sure to say "HI" to them from Macaroni Kid too!
