Pretty Ugly

If you weren't aware, allow me to be the one to tell you that David Sedaris has a children's book out now.

Today was my little niece's birthday and one of the gifts I brought her was a copy of David Sedaris's book, Pretty Ugly, with illustrations by Ian Falconer who sadly passed away last year. The book is really funny with fantastic illustrations. When I asked him to sign a copy for my niece and nephew, he wrote, "Ha ha! You're children." 

When I opened for him this spring, the book sold well and I loved that people had read it in line by the time they got through the long signing line. (I also love it when they read some of my book while waiting and tell me this once they reach the table.) 

At one point, David said, "I don't know why I wrote a book for people can't read and have no money." 

Seeing my niece blow out her candles gave me that delicious sad nostalgic feeling of remembering when my son was small. There are various stages of the birthday party situation when you are a parent. The early parties with relatives and any small people whose parents you happen to be friends with. Then there are the elementary school parties that are more kid-designed. And then one day, you're in Brooklyn at a fantastic grown-up restaurant with two teenagers. But I miss the earlier parties, the themes and the birthday candle wishes and the goodie bags.

At Atlas's fifth birthday party, I put whistles in the goodie bags. Thirty minutes after the party was over, a dad friend texted me.

"We're stuck in a bad traffic jam. Thanks for the whistle." 

Thank you for reading.