One Big Happy by Rick Detorie for May 12, 2022

There’s nothing like the aroma of an old book.

I’m guessing the answer is “no”.

I always loved the smell of a library, and old hardware stores too.

Well, Ruthie, I think you’ve gotten the “Grab something” part right.

Yes, yes it does!

Cameo appearance by The Library Lady in the first panel!

Yes, Ruthie, yes it does.

I love the smell of old books

My grandkids would have rather gone to a library than a candy store. One of my favorite memories is of Matthew – who was five – standing in the center of the entrance and looking in all directions, trying to figure out where to head first. Or Amanda, lying on the floor with a book, “being laxed”.

Last panel : why does the little girl look angry with her fists clenched?

doesn’t it make you wish you had lines in this strip?

Doctor Doolittle and Mary Poppins

I wwas an eager student when I was little. My mother said when I came home from Kindergarten my first day, she asked me how it was, and I said “Well, I didn’t learn to READ!”

The shine wore off thought. By 5th grade I realized you could get by by doiung just the minimum. In high school, all my teachers said I was so smart, all I had to do was apply myself. I said, “Nah, I’m good.” I became a civil servant. Retired at 45. I’m not stupid.

My niece started taking her son to the library at 6 mos old; when he was about 2, he would run to the front door of the library, wait for the electronic door then head to ‘his’ section, pulling about 8-10 books off the shelves for checkout. Then off to the story time room. At 9 years old, he’s still enamored of books; as are his 3 younger siblings.

This is me in a bookstore ‐ just want time to stop so I can read everything

Yes!