Have I mentioned lately how much I adore my son…even when he turned my travel coffee cup upside down into my favorite purse? Um, yes he did. It was one of those mornings when I was rushing around trying to get him out the door for school. As I was putting his shoes on I realized I forgot my keys on the kitchen counter. So I laid my purse and coffee mug on the floor and ran to get my phone. When I got back he said, “I spilled it.” I was puzzled for a moment because I didn’t see my coffee mug anywhere and had forgotten I even put it on the floor until I saw a stream of coffee running out of the bottom on my bag. And yes, my cell phone, wallet and SLR camera was inside. Deep Breaths! Needless to say, he went straight to the naughty step without a warning (Nanny Jo would not approve) and my camera is “at the shop” for a repair. In the meantime, please bare with me because the pictures won’t be top quality but I hope to get my camera back soon!
Andrea and I previously visited and posted on our free excursion to Pottery Barn Kids and Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Riverside (I’m still dying to call it Riverside Square Mall). So we decided to check out the free storytime at Barnes & Nobel in Paramus.
Free Storytime at Barnes & Noble (765 Rt. 17 South, Paramus, NJ): Storytime at Barnes & Noble Paramus is held every Wednesday at 11am and 4pm. Recommended for ages 3 to 5 but all are welcome. The 4pm session will include a craft. Stores hours are 9am-11pm.
Our experience: B.C. (before children, corny I know) I went to the bookstore for peace and quiet. To me it was a quiet store, where people meander through the isles, getting lost amongst the books and their thoughts (in hopes to read them all…do you do that too, enter a bookstore and feel inspired to know everything inside every book?). I never thought of a bookstore as kid-friendly place. But it is. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with your kids.
We went a little before story time and let the kids play with the trains. The story was Elmo’s Birthday and the two of them actually sat through it but then immediately went back to the train table. Our children are over two so it’s much easier to get them to sit and listen to a story now then say six months ago. So if you have a little one who won’t sit (like I did) don’t be discouraged, they will soon, keep at it.
I have heard mixed reviews about the choice of stories from other Moms. Some have said the books are not age appropriate and do not keep the children’s interest. However, the store recommends this storytime for ages 3-5 but says every child is welcome. Just give it a shot, the worst thing that could happen is you have to leave, right? But be aware the reason the store didn’t want me to take pictures is that sometimes “mother’s use this place like a camp” and you might get an uncomfortable stare or two if you allow your child to run around unattended.
The Entrance
The Children's Section Is Back Towards The Right
This Table Is In The Toy Section
Being A Spanish Teacher...This Just Makes Me Happy 
The Manager Wouldn't Let Me Take A Picture Of The Entire Reading Area. Instead He Said He'd "Compromise" For This Bench. So Here It Is. Silly Man.
