The kids got me a Rikki Tikki Tavi DVD for my last birthday. Actually, it was a DVD filled with classic Chuck Jones’ cartoons, which was even better than getting Rikki Tikki Tavi by itself.

Unfortunately, one distraction after another kept us from watching them – until last Saturday. It was a lazy morning, and I didn’t want to get out of bed, so I dragged the kids up and we put in the DVD. They were great shows, but deeper and slower than our usual fare, and presented in a completely different style.

The boys were absolutely entranced.

In fact, after we turned it off, my oldest ran to his bookshelf. I followed to see what was going on.

“I think we have that one, Daddy!”

“What?”

“The Cricket in Times Square. I think it’s here.”

Sure enough, he dug it out and sat down to read. He’s been reading it ever since, and you know what? He’s reading it slowly. Instead of zooming through, like he does with Droon or Magic Treehouse, he’s taking his time and enjoying it.

He’s not reading it to finish it, but to experience it.

I think this may be the start of something wonderful.