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Reading as a Lifelong Lifeline by Jane Kise
The first edition I read
Say out loud, “Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim’s Daughter Longstocking.” That’s the full name of Astrid Lindgren’s classic character. Or, “Villa Villakulla”—the house where she lives. Isn’t it fun? I’m reading Pippi to my mother this month.
Why a children’s book? Mom was an elementary librarian. She so instilled a love of reading and of books in me that I thought no moments were sweeter than helping her complete the library inventory process each summer. I got to do the fiction shelves, working my way through each drawer of the card catalog (remember those?).
The best part of inventory? Once we finished discovering what was missing, I had private access to every book in that elementary school library. All the gems I’d found while checking each shelf? All the popular titles I hadn’t managed to grab hold of yet? I could haul them home for the summer!
Yep, Mom had me brainwashed in the best way possible that books were the best thing in the world. But Mom is now 92. A few years ago, a stroke robbed her of the joy of reading independently. She can still listen, but finding the right materials took some searching. I had to abandon Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows since she couldn’t remember from one visit to the next what had happened. It still saddens me that she’ll never know of Voldemort’s demise. I tried short stories with mixed results. Articles? Yes, but Mom had always loved fiction, so it seemed wrong to leave it behind altogether.
Then one evening I chanced to read her the first chapter from Donalyn Miller’s The Book Whisperer, which relates the author’s difficulties in her first year of teaching. When we came to a list of Donalyn’s favorite books, Mom perked up at the mention of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Konigsberg). “Oh, that is such a good story,” she commented.
And I thought, Why not try? I found a copy and it was magic. Mom had read it aloud to so many classes that she remembered the basics; thus, time in between chapters didn’t matter. She could follow the plot and laugh at James and Claudia, the two children who run away to live in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
So now we’re reading Pippi Longstocking. And she’s laughing out loud at Pippi’s first day of school and at the town ladies who think Pippi needs to live at an orphanage. Each chapter is a separate story, so it’s even easier for Mom to enjoy if a few weeks go by before we get back to it. She’s told me that Homer Price is next. Or maybe Mary Poppins. Or Pooh. Or—she’s remembered quite a few titles!
My big points? 1) What a heritage, to share over 50 years of books and reading with my mother the librarian—are you making books a heritage? 2) There’s power in those books that we return to again and again—are you allowing children to make the most of their favorites? 3) A life filled with books is still full, even if many other things go missing—are you helping others discover that truth?
Jane Kise is an education consultant and author of over 20 books, including her newest, Unleashing the Positive Power of Differences: Polarity Thinking for Our Schools (Corwin, 2013). She is known for giving books as presents, reading just about anything, and winning trivia contests over sci fi and fantasy classics.
Nerdy Book Club 
Your post touched my heart. My 37 year old son has a major brain injury. When he was in a coma and after, I have read to him all his childhood favorites. His face lights up with smiles of recognition. I always leave shel Silverstein by his bed with a note inviting staff and visitors to read to him.
Wow, Bernadette…I’m sure visitors appreciate having something concrete to do and share and laugh about. Three generations of my family love those poems.
Pippi Longstocking was my hero as a child. I could recite her name with ease. I even dressed like her for Halloween.
How lovely you read to your mother stories that she has some memory of. I’m sure it must bring her much joy. And Bernadette’s comments touched me. I think reading to someone is such a gift and sends a message, I care. Love that you leave a book by his bed with a note inviting visitors and staff to read to him.
Alzheimers left my mother unable to read. How I wish I’d thought of sharing children’s books with her! Thank you for sharing.
I agree, this post affected me strongly too – but more of a good squeeze than a punch! Happy you found the key!
I absolutely LOVE this post. That’s ingenious! My 5th grade teacher read Pippi to us, long after teachers had stopped reading aloud, since we were old enough to read to ourselves. Attention all my friends and family: If I ever lose my ability to read PLEASE read Pippi Longstocking to me!!! Awesome.
Beautiful and touching post. Thank you for sharing your story , your mom, and the power of reading aloud.
I’ll echo what Darshna said: Your post was a beautiful sharing, Jane, and what a wonderful idea for those of us, with parents or no, who get to read aloud to our loved ones.
I hope this is me in 40 years!!
Such a heartwarming story, reminded me of when my grandpa (who instilled in me the love of reading) was dying and I couldn’t wait to get to the hospital at night so I could read him The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Ironically, his name was Edward. What a gift you are giving your mother, much like the gift she gave you many years ago in that library. This is a true example of something I tell my students on a daily basis, “you get what you give’. Happy Reading!
I also love sharing the books I read as a child with my kids and when they like, it makes me incredibly happy! And the added bonus is that my kids will discuss books with me and other things too. It’s a very bonding experience!