If I were to pick a character from children's literature with whom I most identify recently, it would have to be the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. It isn’t a character I ever thought I would identify with, but here I am the mother of three always running around screaming “we’re late, we’re late for a most convenient date.” And because have spent so much time in the past 9 years reading to children, I can only think in books.
Before kids, I sort of thought the character I would be most like would have to be Claire Huxtable. Before kids, I actually watched TV and could relate with people that lived in the “real” world of television. I could totally see myself as a working mom with many well behaved kids. I would have it all together most of the time and when it was clear something was amiss, I would sit with my troubled child and have a quick life changing conversation which would clear things up in 30 minutes or less. I would always know the right thing to do and say, even when I was tired from my full-time, well-paying job. My children would always be dressed in the trendiest clothing, which of course were always folded neatly in their closets and drawers. A well-organized life with a bit of drama on the side, I could totally see that as true motherhood.
When I was about to give birth, I was given Love You Forever. My life quickly changed from TV to picture books and I could totally relate to this mother. Sure there would be some moments that were unpleasant, but the reward at the end of the day would be the rocking of my child as I sing a sweet, I love you sort of song. And someday when they were really, really big, they would feel the same about me. So lovely.
But as it turns out, the reason there are so many books on the shelf at the bookstore and library, is because there are many characters with whom we identify. Today it is the Alice rabbit, tomorrow it may be that darn mommy rabbit in The Runaway Bunny who chased her displeased child as he runs away from her in Target while she tries to stock up on Tylenol and handsanitizer during cold and flu season. I mean, what sort of mother can picture a life without your whining, sick, cranky child? After that I might be the Rainbow Fish who does not want to give away any of what makes me beautiful, because to be honest, after three kids I don’t have much beauty left! Or, I might just end up Pinkalicious wanting to eat every cupcake that comes my way until I wake up the color of a sunset or 300 lbs, whichever comes first. Finally, I will just yell at that Sam I Am, or whomever will listen, because I really don’t like Green Eggs and Ham, not in a house or with a mouse and most especially anywhere near a Fox In Socks.
What really MIGHT happen, IF I dream big, is someday I might get a job with adults and forget all about these characters from Children’s Literature. Someday, I won’t find myself rhyming all my sentences. Someday I won’t know how many items are in the great green room or the true identity of Captain Underpants. It could even be possible that someday, I won’t think of myself as a rabbit each and every time I find myself late for an appointment.
Oh to dream...
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