Sarah Nichole Kaufman: Two different kids: both kinds of awesome.

Running around Park Slope one will see many different types of children, none of whom are expected to adhere to any type of conformity. Most seem to be allowed to dress themselves, much to my delight. Yesterday when returning from Prospect Park in a rather grueling heat index, I saw a little boy riding on top of a stroller canopy wearing a girl's one piece swim suit, Thomas the Train rain boots, and sporting a wicked sweat band. I'd assume the swimsuit belonged to his sister—a hand me down perhaps. I wasn't stupid enough to ask.

Anyway, this kid clearly ruled. If I was two I'd totally want to be his friend. Oddly, his parents did not look as awesome as he did. I had no desire to be their friends, Park Slope parents aren't really my bag. But that kid? That kid had it going on!

It's a good thing I do what I do, I like little kids a lot—they crack me up! I love that little non-gender conforming kid! I think he's great. He was probably the best thing I saw yesterday. Just the thought of that outfit can get me giggling for a few minutes. What an innovator.

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I'm also fortunate that my job allows me to help some underprivileged kids out. Most of the time I can just send extra books to charities I know need them. But each Christmas season Harper gives its employees a ridiculous discount on all cataloged books and there's no limit to how many one can buy.

A few years ago my Aunt Laure put me in touch with one of her church's after school programs. I know this school has got a lot of awesome things going on, but the one I'm so proud to be apart of is their Spring Book Fair. With donations, and stretching the school's budget with my uber ridiculous discount, hundreds of quality books come together for this book fair. Each kid gets a free book, blanket or jammies for their very own to keep. They pick the book, they take it home—and while they are encouraged to share—it's difficult. Most of the time this is the only new thing they've got. For books to be so prized both makes my heart melt and break. I know what it means to love a story. I know what it means to be a kid and what a book can do for that kid who might not have much else. There isn't much I love more then reading... well besides sharing it with little wierd-o kids.

I got the pictures from the book fair today. Oh how I wish I could share them! If it weren't so creepy and uncool I'd post them all just so we could all look at those little excited faces! But instead I'll put up a selection of thank you cards that were also sent. A collection of my favorites: