I had a treat this week; I got to spend time with old friends.

I’m in that gap time as a children’s book junkie.  My children are in their twenties.  They are not in the child producing stage of life.  Thus, I have no reason to indulge my delight in children’s literature.   The books my children grew up with are nestled in a book-case at the cabin, awaiting the first grand baby.  There is precious little picture book reading going on in my life.

But, since I was invited to a baby shower I got to lose myself in picture books this past week.  My children’s favorite authors are still delightful, and it was fun to see what else is going on during my absence from the scene.

Reading to my kids was one of the many favorite things I got to experience as a parent of wee ones.

As I was thinking about the joy of books and laps on that day,  I was jolted by the sight of a three year-old in a stroller watching a video on an IPad as her mom wheeled her through the mall.  It made me sad and worried, both (I sound like one of those judgmental old people; forgive me!).

For my kids (there I go again…) going to the mall and looking around and seeing people and talking with their mom was entertainment galore.  Was it always pretty?  No.  They got bored and restless and during such times a book was always ready to keep them distracted.

And televisions in cars?  Don’t get me started…

What I am hoping is that cellphone gadgets and electronic diversions don’t replace the joy of a picture book and the fallow-time goodness of imagination.

How full can a life be if we never have a chance to learn about the day that Jimmy’s boa ate the wash???