Book Your Stocking 2023 features readers sharing children's books from their past or present. Perhaps you'll stumble upon forgotten books or titles you somehow missed. Should a book find its way into a stocking near you, all the better.
Please welcome my friend Tim Martin from Indianapolis, Indiana. I interviewed Tim via text about this memory in the middle of another discussion. I write about my friend Tim Martin here. I hope you enjoy this moment as much as I did. Merry Christmas!
🎄📚
She Made Us Feel Safe, an interview with Tim Martin
by Erin Pringle
Erin: What was your favorite children's book growing up?
Tim: Dr. Seuss
Erin: What did you like about him?
Tim: So creative with language and easy to read. It was just fun, carefree reading.
Erin: Did you read it or did someone read it to you?
Tim: But you have to realize that I was not a hardcore reader. Funny that you ask. I'm thinking. Our kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Maxwell, would read to us. Haven't thought about that in many years.
Erin: What do you remember of her?
Tim: She was old. And I thought she was the smartest person in the world.
Erin: Do you remember what she looked like or any details about her? Would she read standing up or sitting in a chair or on the floor with the children?
Tim: She sat on a chair in the center. We had mats to sit on, on the floor in front of her. She looked like you except she wore glasses. I remember realizing later that we kids loved her. But didn't know what that feeling was at the time. She kept us safe and made us happy. I think you are Mrs. Maxwell to your kids. That's a supreme compliment.
 |
| Dr. Seuss back-cover biography, photo via eBay |
🕮
About Tim Martin: Tim lives in his hometown Indianapolis with his wife Laura. He co-owns Martin Brothers Metal Works with his brother Steve, after inheriting the business from his son John. In the summer, he plants a garden; on weekends he has breakfast with his twin granddaughters when they're home from college; and most every day he's at work, welding, thinking, and doing what needs done. There is always so much to be done.
 |
| Tim in shop with my son, photo by me |
