Today I went to the bookstore where Sean works, to meet him and Peter for dinner. While we were waiting for Sean to close up, I perused their children’s section — an alcove in the very back of the first floor, consisting of three shelves stuffed full of people from Ramona to Walter Crane, Hans Christian Anderson to Scarry Potter. In fifteen minutes I had picked out five books:

Two Beatrix Potters, little. (Peter and Tiggy-Winkle. I had to stop at two, even though they also had old Squirrel Nutkin and Jemima.)
William Wegman’s wonderfully weird photo-version of Little Red Riding Hood (all the characters are Weimaraners).
Arthur Rackham’s illustration of Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market,” which I will never forget reading for the first time sitting on the floor of a hallway on the second floor of Simmons, during the 2003 Symposium.
And Attilio Mussino’s Pinocchio, which I have been thinking about ever since I saw “A Tree of Palme” on Saturday and was thrilled to my toes to see on the shelf.

I’m too tired to make links, so trust me when I tell you that, each in their own way, these are five beautiful volumes. If you’ll indulge me I’ll read you some of them, when you next visit me. Yes, I mean you. Come visit me and let me show you books.

Also, I love Sean and Peter.

Also, someday in the not-too-distant future, Susan is going to be listening to lots of songs about underwear.