The Unexpected Joys of My New Book's First Story Time

ashleykayandy
Aug 4
3 min read

I've been to many story times. Since our daughter was a babe, we'd pop in to children's story time readings at our local library in and in the area. But this story time was different. THIS was my first time hosting a story time for my new children's book, "My Body, Mind, and Me".

And goodness, was it special!

Anticipation was brewing in the morning as this daughter (now nearly eight years old) confirmed, "YOU get to read the book for story time?! Your book that has me and Leo in it?" She was quite proud of the fact that her and her brother's names appear in the copyright page. Grinning widely upon my reply, Hallie scurried off on a mission. As I gathered my handpan drum into its case and a basket of my books, mentally checking off the list of items to bring, she returned with sheets of wildlife stickers.

"I could bring these to give to the kids that come!" she exclaimed, head held high with an increased sense of purpose. I told her that this was an excellent idea, and it touched my heart that my sticker loving kiddo was feeling generous in wanting to share from her own personal collection.

Before we knew it, my little family unit was gathered in the car on our way out to the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Once we got settled, the nerves kicked in. I had guided hundreds of classes and sessions, but this felt different.

Vulnerable.

What if nobody came?! It was less than ten minutes til our scheduled time and there were only three children besides my own there... kind kids who had come to the children's garden just to play! I grinned to myself, remembering what was most important. I mean, hey, if nobody else came, I'd enjoy a fun reading time with my own family and these new young ones on such a beautiful day!

Then smiling faces began to round the corner into the gardens. I greeted a dear friend who had only just moved back from living out of state, and her two littles who I'd only met through photographs. A few more new friends joined in. My beloved cousin who shared the same maiden name of Anderson and grandfather "Andy" arrived with her three, and a kind-hearted friend who I'd only just enjoyed a park play date with earlier in the week. My friend and neighbor who helped me edit and touch up this very book before it was published with her own child. The dear Arboretum coordinator who reassured and encouraged me (and kindly took these photos). And still more loving new friends whose joy could be felt at simply being present together in this magical children's garden.

This may have been a Story Time to those in attendance. But to me, this was another dream come true. Sitting there on a blanket in such an incredibly gorgeous space that nurtures children in body, mind, and inner light... sharing this message that is so strong in my heart with this little community of wonderful humans... I felt the reminder inside that this was all something I'd once only imagined.

I shared of a young girl who LOVED books so much that she wanted to write one... a young girl who was hiding right there in the garden, inside of a grown-up! We giggled our way through singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes" getting faster and faster. I read aloud the book I'd poured hours of love and care into. We said affirmations together. We fed the Koi Fish, played in the hobbit house, sifted through the sand, and made music in the gardens. And you brought my books home to read yourself, cuddled up together with those special children you love.

Thank you to those of you who came, or even sent little messages of support and encouragement if it didn't work out in your day. Thank you to the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens for being the warmest and most welcoming place to host my first Story Time & Author Signing. And thank you to each and every one of you who have bought a copy of "My Body, Mind, and Me" or helped me spread the word. It makes all the difference.