Guess who we met last Saturday? Why, it was good ol’ John Felton!
I had met this gentleman around three years back, at Times Square mall where he had a stall where he sold books written by him. Had bought a couple of books from him then, and they turned out to be quite the favorites of Keshav baby (as Keshav calls his younger self) back then.
Every year, around this time, I would make it a point to visit Arte Market and look out for him. When I didn’t see him for a couple of years, I assumed that he had finally retired for good…well, until I saw him this Saturday:)
Keshav baby, now known as Keshav, was more shy than he was the last time around, but quickly picked out the books he wanted, and then couldn’t wait until he got home to read them. And they proved enjoyable as always!
If you have a chance to visit Times Square Centre off Sheikh Zayed Road, do visit the Arte Market on the ground floor – you can’t miss the guy – 80+, with a twinkle in his eye, and a story to tell.
Here is what I had written when I met him the first time:)
Had a chance meeting with an elderly gentleman today, at the Arte Market at Times Square Mall. A grandfather of many, John Felton retired 17 years back and settled in Dubai – he now writes delightful rhymes for kids packaged with beautiful illustrations. I found Keshav responding to his way of narrating stories and we ended up buying a couple of his books for the young one.
Here is the Amazon listing of one – https://www.amazon.ae/Henry-Bubbles-John-Felton/dp/9948000196
The reason I bring this up today is that I wrote about Keshav, octopi and bubbles a few months back and we ended up with a Henry and Bubbles story today:) Here it is!
Anyone who has been through a toddler knows the importance of bubbles in their lives. They demand it at will, and the popping of these temporary spheres of soap becomes the primary focus of the moment, or moments, until it’s ‘bye bye’ bubbles.
Rohāmrta is no exception. It is for him that I found a way to blow way above the average size bubble, ones that I like to pop as well, in mock competition. He usually pops these bubbles with his index finger, but off late, he has found a new companion who he invites(drags) to join him during the popping sessions. The friendly neighborhood octopus. One that we purchased from Ikea and who has been relaxing on our couch ever since, under minimal toddler supervision.
And so Keshav grabs Mr. Octopus and rushes back to pop these bubbles one by one – using the tentacles of his newly found pop-the-bubble buddy. Until he tires and says ‘bye bye’ bubbles, unceremoniously drops Mr. Octopus to the floor, and embarks on his next adventure – pick a spoon.
Oh, the kind of combinations kids come up with! What can possibly be the connection between bubbles and octopuses??