I have a sneaking suspicion that the youngest monkey is trying to teach me to be more zen through the medium of children’s books.
Over the four years I have known her we have moved on from her original favourite, How Loud Is A Lion, which I swear was simply an excuse to roar at me. I got through the princess books without too much trauma and was so grateful when she became obsessed by Sugarlump And The Unicorn by Julia Donaldson. Sugarlump is a rocking horse who is bored with his lot. The unicorn grants his wish for a more exciting life and Sugarlump learns that the grass is not always greener. All the monkeys know every word and we’ve obviously made up actions so on our first family holiday to Centre Parcs with the in-laws, the beloved’s parents were treated to a nightly performance and encouraged to join in. They did not and I have a still have a sneaking suspicion that they think I am completely bonkers. They are right but I have to keep up the masquerade.
Julia Donaldson has served us well. There is always room on the broom and we know how to share. We understand that different people move at different paces due to the day and night monkeys. We know that it takes time to find your tribe due to the rhyming rabbit. (Not everyone loves the rabbit. The beloved would happily see him in a pie and he’s vegetarian.) We have turned my personal favourite The Detective Dog into living room theatre (Lord, my in-laws are so right!).
Recently, the youngest has gone back to A Squash And A Squeeze. I think she’s heard me moan about having too many people living in this house one too many times. An old woman is at the end of her tether in her bijou home and asks a wise old man to help her, please. He does and she learns to appreciate what she has. Every time we read this together I lose it over a six-year-old saying “wise old man, won’t you help me please” in character. Then I look round the packed living room filled with people all reciting the same book while the dogs attempt to rugby tackle each other and think “bugger, this six-year-old is on to me.” This family life lark. It keeps you on your toes.