kids' books

had a surprise visit from my middle dtr who lives with us (that i see every three wks or so) and her 5-yr-old niece today. got to read stories to my granddtr, which is something i don't get to do as often as i'd like. in the yrs since my kids were small, as many new kids' books have come into existence as did between my own childhood and fatherhood. besides the old faves (goodnight moon, dr. seuss), i got to read a coupla titles with which i was unfamiliar by jon j. muth, zen shorts and the three questions. both tackle pert heavy existential / philosophical issues (latter's based on a story by tolstoy, but be not afraid) in an sweet, engaging way, with muth's charming watercolors to help out. recommended (as is reading aloud in general) to anybody with small ppl living in their house.