Kids, it is said, say the darnedest things. As a children’s librarian I can attest to the fact that this is indeed the case. Kids can be delightfully weird, which I think is part of why so many of us love working with them so much. This week I thought I’d share a few of the weird, wonderful, and wacky things I’ve heard kids say in the children’s section of the library.
“But have you tried looking in the Transformers aisle?” – On hearing that there were no Transformers books available. Alas, we do not have a Transformers aisle, though I’m sure it would be very popular.
“Do you have any Princess Posse books?” – Turns out the series in question is actually called Princess Posey, but I prefer to imagine a series of children’s books starring a group of vigilante princesses who roam the Wild Wild West, chasing down cattle rustlers and bringing them to justice.
“Well, you seem pretty old, so….17?” – On trying to guess the age of the librarian…let’s just go with 17.
“Yes, yes, that’s it, that’s it. Don’t be afraid. Come into my trap my little creeper, bwahahahahaha!” – Minecraft inspires intense emotions and reveals secrets plans for world domination.
“Because she has powers, of course. Powers mean you can rule the world.” An incredulous response from a young reader on being asked why Elsa is better than Anna when it comes to Frozen.
“Reading is fun! Not, like, PS4 fun, or soccer fun, or TV fun, but still pretty fun. I mean, it’s not, like, boring, I guess.” – Not boring is good enough for me.
“I know what I’m going to be when I grow up. I’m going to be a shoe designer. I’m going to make Frozen shoes, but in lots of different colours. And with sparkles. So grown-ups can wear them to work.” – We all need to have dreams.
“A week?! But…but…but…that’s forever! I’ll never make it!!!” – On being told that Summer Reading doesn’t start for another week.
“Thicker than this book, but with bigger words. And pictures, but not too many pictures, but more pictures than this book.” – Just another highly particular yet still incredibly vague request.
“Hey, these books are all left-handed!” – On discovering the manga section in the library.
And my all-time favourite – “I know you! You came to my school!”
Working with kids is one of the most rewarding and meaningful careers in the world, and knowing that you’ve made a real connection with these hilarious little human beings is a pretty incredible feeling. Being recognised and rewarded with a giant grin from an excited young patron is something that never, ever, ever gets old. And the wacky and highly original expressions that come out of their mouths keeps every day interesting!
The Book Wars 
Love the idea of Princess Posse’s existing. :)
I know! Come on children’s book authors, get on it! ;)
Not quite the wild west book you imagine, but try A Posse of Princesses by Sherwood Smith.