I’m ridiculously addicted to books. I collected thousands of them during my 11 years as a teacher/school librarian, the bulk of which are now sitting in my basement until Noodle gets old enough to appreciate them. The last thing I need is more books. Which is why I hope my husband is not reading this post because he does not need to know what I found on Tuesday.
There was a large used book/children’s consignment sale at a local church. I browsed the consignment part, pretending I didn’t see table upon table of children’s books. I tried to walk past them on the way out. I almost got to the door when I thought, “what’s one look going to do to me? I can stop this addiction any time, you know. It’s not like I need the books. I’m just going to look at them”.
Famous last words. Half an hour and $9 later, I sheepishly came home with this:
Yes, there are over 25 books there. I’m an addict. I need book rehab. But how could I resist these board books?
Or this insect encyclopedia, easily worth $25, which was only .50? (don’t worry, sweet husband, I’m donating it to my former school!)
And this pile, for some of my favorite kiddos who love trucks? (Nicky, does H have any of these yet?)
As for the other books, I actually had to check the inside cover of them for my name because the collection was so similar to my own I wondered if I had misplaced mine. It’s like a second grade teacher went out of business. As I agonized over all the amazing books I would have to pass up because I already had them, it occurred to me that I do have a little niece or nephew due this February and he/she would need these books!
Hello, Eric Carle! Why hello, Mem Fox! Oh, it’s nice to see you, Arnold Lobel! In the bag they went. I actually restrained myself, folks. This is what restraint looks like:
{Dear sister, please avert your eyes so you don’t spoil the surprise. And I promise I’ll stop with just these books. Maybe. Actually, as I look at this pile I think I may need to go back for more…}
As for Richard Scarry’s Bunny Book from last week, guess who seems to dig it?
In this photo, she’s obviously trying to communicate, “back away with the camera, mom, I’m trying to relax here!” {by the way, my Sweet Pea has a feeding tube (NG tube) taped to her cheek. It’s a long story and I’ll write about it some day, but I wanted to explain what the “boo boo” is on her cute little face…}
I’m sure I’ll be back to my normal routine next week of showcasing old and new thrifty finds, but today it was all about the crack. I mean, books.
In my opinion, there is always room for one more book in your life. Anyone else have an addiction? Glassware? Fabric? Clothes? Shoes? Tell me about it, please, so I don’t feel so guilty. 🙂
valentine says
i love books, especially kid books. i remember a certain few books that i read as a kid and will always love. glad your daughter is getting a jump start on the book lovin
nn says
ahh, Carrie, you make me laugh! I think it’s GREAT that you are hooked on books! and, looks like Abby is following in your footsteps! It is so sweet of you to start your sister’s collection up, too! We’ve been checking truck books out, but haven’t added a whole lot to our collection just yet. Speaking of checking books out at the library, last time I checked out the “Little Pea”, “Little Hoot”, and “Little Oink” books out by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Have you read them? SO cute!
Kati says
too funny! 🙂 but i can’t blame you for taking away so many books…i would have done the same thing! it looks like you scored yourself some great ones!
and here is hoping everything is okay with your little one! ng tubes aren’t a lot of fun!
Maria says
We all love seeing “noodle” interacting with books even if they are upside down. Remembering that even when she was only days old at your urging, we were reading to her. How can she not love books and people. Reading to your children is one of the gifts that pays back over and over.
Yiayia
Dragonfly Treasure says
Love the book with the dragonfly :~) What a cutie pie!!
Tarva says
Both of my boys left for school last weekend so looking at all of your books brings tears to my eyes. We all love books and some of the ones you bought were favorites many years ago.
Thanks for the memories.
Kelly W. says
My family is addicted to books too. I love “Guess how much I love you”! I read it to my little one before he was even born!
the thrifty ba says
we love the ‘david’ books! i think because they remind us of our nate..the youngest.
great deal on books!