Printed 1956 “A” edition ( )

One of my favorite childhood books, and one of the first I learned to read on my own. ( )

Ah, what do I remember about a book I read before I was even old enough to go to Kindergarten? I was able to read at a very young age. I've been told I even went to Sunday School during this time but, oddly enough, I have no memory of that whatsoever.

What I remember about this book is a sunny, warm day. The kind of day that is perfect for swinging in your tire swing (It was a red plastic tire swing which of course I remember going to the store to buy but, oddly enough, no memory of going to Sunday School).

So I'm eating candy red hots. Mmmm. Swinging in the sun, eating red hots, and contemplating God and creation. I was amazed at the concept of a deity up there who made me and my swing and my red hots. I was very, very happy. I remember thinking - God made grass blades and God made me. (I spent a lot of time studying the plant world - probably because I was close to it when I was young and short!)

I believe this was the first book that made a profound impact on my life. Or perhaps it just kick-started the philosophical bent that I have. At the very least, it made me associate candy red hots with God and if I had a writing inclination that might make a very odd and interesting story. ( )

This is a perfect choice. It has a sugary rhythm that attracts many. I had this book as a child and I remember looking at it over and over. Today, I still love the multicultural illustrations. And doesn't every little girl love pigtails, braids and bugs? ( )

One of my favorite childhood books, and one of the first I learned to read on my own. ( )