The Green Book

After Clara's Little Gym class on Saturdays, the Birds often visit the library and this past Saturday was no exception. They spent some time rounding up some books, including several Dr. Seuss titles, but not Ten Apples Up on Top (not actually by Dr. Seuss), which has a green cover. (Make like detectives and remember that detail, Fans.) It was facedown on the table by the children's book bins. Julie pointed to it, asked if Clara wanted that book, and Clara said no.

In the car, the Birds discussed how, when they got home, it would be Quiet Time. Clara would nap, but Julie would read her a book first. Once they were through the door, Clara asked if they could read the Dr. Seuss book. Julie said sure, and it was moments later that all hell broke loose. The "Dr. Seuss book" Clara wanted was "the green book." Accusations flew thick and furious: words had been used--big girl words--and you (this would be Julie) did not listen; someone else would get the book, we had to go back right now.  Julie hollered the sort of nonsense you holler when a four-year-old is accusing you of library subterfuge, Clara wailed more, both Birds stormed off. (Here is where you might be wondering where the boys were. Surely were they about, things might not have gone off the rails? At least not so quickly? Ted was off doing something related to his St. Louis Park Historical Society work; Joe was with a friend seeing how maple syrup gets made.) So the Birds had to make amends themselves.

Little Bird made the first move by approaching Julie to reiterate her claims, but in a calm voice. Julie told Clara that what we had here was a misunderstanding and that she recalled asking specifically about the green book and that Clara had said she did not want to check it out. Regardless, she was sorry--very sorry, indeed--but nevertheless, they would not be going back to the library and Clara had two choices: go take a nap, or select another book for Julie to read, and then take a nap. Clara selected option two and went off to paw through the library book.

That's when she found "the green book." Which is orange. Or white, maybe. Maybe. But not green. You judge for yourselves, Fans.