Leave ‘em laughing.
Do you remember the TV series, “The Linkletter Show?” (I suppose that I’m showing my age by asking this question.) It aired from 1952 until 1970 and starred Art Linkletter. I remember how funny the show was and that Mr. Linkletter frequently quipped, “Kids say the darndest things.”
After spending a good chunk of the past 10 months reading my picture books to children at schools and libraries, I wholeheartedly concur with Mr. Linkletter’s assessment.
To close out 2024, I want to share just a couple of conversations that have kept me in stitches this year. Happy reading.
“Hey, there. I love your shirts.”
When we have been at book events, John and I have heard this comment countless times. Until recently my response has been, “Thanks. We enjoy doing the matchy-matchy thing.” But in November, a young person (politely) corrected me and shared that this phrase is no longer “cool.” The teen told me that John and I are twinning.
Now, I do not suffer from a hearing loss, but I misunderstood the young man. I thought he was saying something about the two of us being in our twenties. So, I (politely) corrected the lad and shared that we were in our sixties. After he stopped laughing uncontrollably, he replied, “I said TWINNING - not TWENTY.”
I stand corrected. We enjoy doing the twinning thing.
John and I were visiting an elementary school in March. (In order to protect the guilty parties, I’ll not disclose our location.) All was going well until I came to the page in Huck, Chuck, & Bruce: At the Shore where the waterfowl are on surfboards. I interjected that I have never been on a surfboard - nor do I plan to ever get on one.
Immediately, a 5-year-old hand popped up. Smiling, he stated, “I know why you’ve never been on a surfboard. It’s because of your weight.” The kindergartener seated next to this outspoken child added, “Or it could be her age.”
I looked over at John who was trying not to laugh. I looked at the poor teacher whose face had drained of all color. And then, I looked at the boys, smiled, and told them that they were both correct.
From the mouth of babes.
I could go on with more examples, but you get the idea. “Kids say the darndest things.”
My first year as a published author/illustrator has been fantastic. And I am grateful for the friendly, encouraging folks that I’ve met along the way. As is the case in any worthwhile endeavor, the learning curve has been steep at times. Yes, I’ve experienced a few disappointments, but thankfully, the reasons for laughter on this new journey have far outweighed the tearful episodes.
I can only hope that the young people are learning and having as much fun as I am.