Belinda Our Favorite Ballerina

Our children have been blessed with so many wonderful traits from both sides of our families. One in particular is their love of books and, yes, bookstores. Scott's mom is a former elementary school librarian...need I say more. Scott has about twenty books as I write this on his closet shelf just waiting for the moment they will be picked!! On any given day, our girls have ten to fifteen books in their beds with them because they just can't fall asleep without reading something.

I was reminded a few weeks ago about the first time that Scott and his parents took me with them to the bookstore at CMU. I thought we were making a fast trip in to get a book that someone wanted and we'd be on our way to do something "fun". Oh, I was SO wrong. When I was informed that we would be hanging out for awhile I thought "In a bookstore? Are you serious?" This was before comfy chairs and nice plush couches were all the rage in the Barnes and Nobles of the world. Much to my dismay, we spent about an hour in that store. That was my introduction to the Sewick's love of books and bookstores. Luckily for me, I've grown to love bookstores as much as the next bookworm. I absolutely love all the trash magazines that linger by the coffee bars! Did I just say that? Oops!

Our girls have inherited this love...thank goodness. They all love to read - very different books mind you - but they all share Scott's love for the written word. So, when Scott mentioned that Amy Young, a local author who lives in Spring Lake, was going to be in Grand Haven for a book signing, we just HAD to go. If you don't know about Amy Young's books, they are beautifully written with a great message. Her most acclaimed series is Belinda the Ballerina, so if you don't have girls, Amy Young's books are probably not on your bookshelves. But for us, Amy's fabulous big-footed ballerina is an amazing adventure. I encourage you to pick up her books if you have an aspiring dancer in your home. You can read more about Amy's books here.

We were lucky enough to talk with her and the girls got new books, a picture with her and some great cookies. Of course, Sammi and Ali had to wear their ballerina dresses to the event and Amy was kind enough to thank them for getting all dolled up to meet her. It was the highlight of their weekend.