What nonfiction taught this mom

With three children, I've read my fair share of children's books. Having read so many books aloud to my children for the past decade, there are very few that make an impression. Sure I have a few oldies but goodies I consider my favorites, but I can count them on one hand.

Posted 1:20 p.m. May 16, 2010 — Updated 1:20 p.m. May 16, 2010

By

Aysu Basaran

With three children, I've read my fair share of children's books. Having read so many books aloud to my children for the past decade, there are very few that make an impression. Sure I have a few oldies but goodies I consider my favorites, but I can count them on one hand.

When my seven-year-old daughter kept telling me about one book in particular, "Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival," I didn't think it would stand out more than any other children's book I've read. Then she mentioned it was about a tailless dog and cat and Hurricane Katrina. I thought, what seven-year-old would think that would be fun to read? She wouldn't let it go and I wanted to encourage her to read. So, I bought it for her birthday.

I was about halfway through reading it with her, when the author revealed a surprise about one of the animals. I felt a sudden lump in my throat. Are you kidding me ... I'm going to get choked up over a children's book? It was by far one of the most memorable children's books I've ever read. The journalist in me felt right at home reading this one.

"Two Bobbies" taught me something about reading to my children. It’s OK to share a real-life story with them. They don’t always need glass slippers and happily ever afters. I’ve spent the bulk of my time reading fiction and fairy tales to my kids. It's about time they heard a remarkable, true story – a story of the bond of friendship in the toughest of times.

Aysu Basaran is the busy mom of three and assistant news director for WRAL-TV.

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