Last Saturday, Sarah Johnson, whom her pint-sized fan base and their handlers know as Miss Jonesey, above and below, shared the final chapter of the umpteenth picture book she has read during Left Bank Books’ Storytime over the past 5 years. Johnson is leaving the neighborhood bookstore in pursuit of some downtime and more importantly, to plunge into the next phase of her life, which includes more writing (most of the booksellers at LBB are writers).
Spike, the bookstore’s resident cat, was understandably elsewhere Saturday morning, so Miss Jonesey brought her own sidekick, the kitty perched on her knee. Well into last week’s session, Miss Jonesey observed that her young fans had “gotten the wiggles” and suggested everyone take a break and play with the toys the neighborhood bookstore keeps on hand.
Some families including the Kelseys, above, took the opportunity to read a new book from the shelf. Kelly and Matt Kelsey, and sons William, left, and Ben, right, first met Miss Jonesey at Left Bank Books’ former downtown location. The family stopped by last Saturday to say goodbye.
CWEnder Dan Boccabella and son Dominic have also been regulars at Storytime. Boccabella recently revived the CWE: Families & Friends organization which had taken a hiatus while waiting for someone to take the helm for, as he described, “the next generation of toddlers.” If you are looking for play group activities with other neighborhood families, be sure to follow CWEFF on Facebook here.
The youngest attendee last Saturday was CWEnder Oliver Nabor, above, who brought his mother Jacque and sister Kalder.
You can stay in touch with Sarah Johnson through her book-themed newsletter, Under the Courtyard, and her blog, Jonesey’s words. Johnson has also been working on a list of the 40 most influential books she’s read while working at Left Bank Books. At last Saturday’s Storytime she had 7 days left to read 9 books. “Eeek!” she exclaimed.
There will not be a Storytime at Left Bank Books this Saturday (tomorrow), as all the kids will most certainly be at the CWE Halloween Parade (meet at 11 a.m. at McPherson & Walton Row). Next Saturday however, another staffer will assume the role as storyteller. While I have no doubt that he or she will be just as wonderful, there can never be another Miss Jonesey.