September 11, 2008

Curious George in the Big City

I read this book to Cali, my 5 year old, a while back. At first I didn't notice the illustration, but upon reading it a second time, I did. Curious George is in New York and there in the book are the Twin Towers. I stopped in my reading tracks. I can't remember if I said anything to Cali. If I did, there was no discussion about 9/11 that I remember. I read an article today from my Sesame Street Newsletter of two children's interaction of the events of that day. Should I have said something to Cali about how those buildings were no longer there and why? Maybe I did mention that they were no longer there, but nothing was elaborated.

This particular book is illustrated in the style of H.A. Rey, not written or illustrated by him. The copyright is 2001, but obviously completed and printed before that dreadful day in September when we would close our eyes and still see the images of the plane(s). I know my girls will learn of September 11 in school someday and how odd it is for me to think that I have lived a page in a history book of such grave despair. I and my family were not directly touched by the events that day, but in a way, we were.

We send love and comfort for those whose lives were changed that day and perhaps a little lightness through this book to remember a time when life was a little less scary. When a curious little monkey could get on top of New York City looking for the Man with the Yellow Hat and we would see in the illustration of the city scape nothing out of the ordinary.

1 comment:

Steph said...

I will have to find that one, Abbi is in love with Curious George. I will never forget that day, that is for sure. I still think of it often and it is unbelievable that I will one day tell the story to my grandchildren and my great grand children.