There’s something about watching a child read a book you wrote.
It warms the heart.
That intense concentration, that look that says the rest of the world doesn’t exist right now.
Reading was like that for me as a child — I got entirely lost in the worlds of the books I read.
Meet Jian Noa, 10, and younger brother Taj, 7. The brothers attend a French school in Toronto. Taj has been teaching himself to read in English and was proud to be able to read Myrtle.
They and their loving grandmother brought the book for me to autograph, and Taj read the book to me, and we all had a great visit.
Earlier, at a Christmas party hosted by friends in the countryside northwest of Toronto, I had the pleasure of meeting two other readers. In the middle of a room filled with adults — talking, drinking, eating appetizers, moving around — I noticed two children sitting on a sofa reading Myrtle.
Siblings Claire, 6 and Josh, 8, were totally absorbed in the book.
They read every page to each other as if they were the only people in the room.
When I asked what they thought of the book, they both responded with “I loved it.” When I asked why, Claire said: “I love the pictures and all the colours.”
Josh’s response nearly took my breath away: “I loved it because it teaches kids that it’s not how you look, it’s how nice you are that matters”.
Wow. Isn’t that wonderful?
Cynthia Reyes 
I love when kids love reading; they go far and become well-rounded individuals. ❤️❤️❤️
I love it when siblings read to each other, it not only builds their reading skills but it also creates a sense of respect and unity! It is never to early to help them love books and the interaction between the reader and the one listening! When my granddaughters were very young I sometimes read books with interactive parts they could manipulate encouraging participation and building a love of books and reading! As they grew older they would bring the book to me because it became their favorite!
I agree!
Wonderful indeed when your book is read, appreciated and understood. What pleasure that must give you, Cynthia.
When our daughter was young and in elementary school she wrote a book interviewing her grandma! She saved it and she passed it on to her oldest daughter!
How terrific, Leona! A special gift indeed.
It does, Margaret. It’s a beautiful thing. Happy new year to you!
And happy new year to you too!
What a simply splendid experience!
I love that word “splendid”. Thanks for using it, Sarah. I hope you will return to splendid form, healthwise, in 2018.
Thank you, Cynthia. It is a rather splendid word!
What a special experience. Loved hearing about it.
Thank you. I loved experiencing it. Happy new year to you!
How gratifying to see kids reading your book and finding value in the message. Go Myrtle and Cynthia! 🙂
You’re so right, Brad. Myrtle is travelling to places I will never be able to venture to, and I get a vicarious thrill from that.
How wonderful is that! Nothing better.
It is indeed, Marlene. Wishing you and your sister a healthy and rewarding 2018.
It truly is wonderful! I love to watch the expressions.
Me too, Jill. It was as if no-one else existed but them and Myrtle.
That is heartwarming. You know they will remember both book and author. Truly an inspiration.
Thanks for your lovely comment, S.K. I know you’re in the middle of a busy time and I thank you for commenting.
Wonderful, indeed
Thanks, Derrick!
Lovely to see more young ones absorbed in reading your book.
It really is, Gallivanta.
My heart is melting reading this and wow, what an insightful comment at the end from someone so young! Cynthia, what a treat for you to witness their intense enjoyment of your book! Hugs zxxxx
A total treat, Annika. And people will have many delighted reactions to your brand-new book, “The Storyteller Speaks”. I can already say that, having read part of it. Congrats, Annika!
Thank you so much for saying so, Cynthia and wow! It’s wonderful you’re reading my book – thank you! 😀❤️
Out of the mouths of babes! You, and Myrtle, are getting through to them, Cynthia!
Thanks, Kerry. I’m so glad to see the reactions to Myrtle.
What a wonderful post Cynthia, and how wonderful that your book taught the lesson its not what is on the outside but the inside that counts.. just no greater lesson to be learned.. Wonderful.. 🙂
I love seeing your readers–as you must as well!
“Totally absorbed”… gratifying to see children immersed in your book & ignoring the adult world. – Oscar
I love Josh’s response best of all. 🙂 If children learn this lesson early, they will teach others.
Isn’t he bright?
Not many authors get to see their readers actually reading their books! How wonderful to get so much positive feedback.
It really is, Clare. I can hardly describe what it feels like. Because, as you know, I very nearly didn’t publish that book. the story had been sitting in my desk drawer for more than twenty years. To see how involved young readers become with the story is extraordinary.
I am so glad you decided to publish it.
Me too!
Wonderful is right! That little purple beauty is getting around.
She sure is, Laurie. It’s great to see. Hope your new year is off to a good start.
So far, cold but good. We’ve been seeing a lot of movies, a perfect winter activity.
Great idea!
Don’t you love it when kids hit the nail on the head? 🙂
I do indeed. Our family was delighted. Happy new year, Jeanne!
Oh my … it sure is wonderful! That would have taken my breath away too … Happy New Year Cynthia 🙂
And to you, dear Julie. Somebody should have taken a photo of me looking at them, because I was transfixed.
Those are lovely heart-warming pictures Cynthia.
Super!!!
Congrats to you, Cynthia 😁
Has me smiling from ear to ear!!
💜