Taking a stroll through Bryant Park, I find the entrance to the air conditioned New York Public Library. Trying to escape the heat, I decided to venture into this beautiful building. Once inside I see signs that lead the way to an exhibition called The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter. Right away I am intrigued, so I follow the signs. However first I get distracted by the gift shop right outside the exhibition. I stop and shop.
Walking into a dimly lit room, around each corner is nostalgia for my childhood. These old storybook characters are very prominent in my young memories. I can upon a bench nestled in plastic leaves. A scene straight out of The Secret Garden, I sat on this bench like Mary Lennox and debriefed through my morning events. Awakened from my day dreams, I realized others wanted to sit on this synthetic shrubbery as well and take selfies. I gladly moved on and came upon something much better then fake leaves. The beloved childhood toys of author A.A Milne son, Christopher Robin Milne. In a glass case upon a pedestal, resided the original Hundred Acre Wood plush crew. The gang was all there. I couldn’t believe it; I was in the presence of the stuffed animals that inspired the classic story of friendship that touch the lives of children all around. A life changing moment occurred. This is something everyone should take the time to see. Pick a beautiful hot day to explore what Bryant Park has to offer then cool down with a lovely air condition trip through memory lane.