By Christopher
There’s a library at the community center near our house just across from the Century Bridge. Ken loves the library because it has Thomas the Tank Engine books. He doesn’t care yet if it’s 英語 or 日本語, he just likes the pictures. His favorite train is Gordon. He used to say “GO-JUU!” but these past few days, he can actually pronounce “Gordon.” He also likes James, but he pronounces his name “PU-JUU!” When Ken sees the Hankyu train he thinks it’s James.
There’s even a little train at the library. When Ken sees it, he makes the train sound. In Japanese the sound of the steam whistle is シュウウーシュウウ but in English it’s “choo-choo!” Ken’s sound for the train is “SHI-CHOOSH!” When he’s in the library he says it over and over, maybe a hundred times. SHI-CHOOSH! SHI-CHOOSH! He’s so loud you can hear him across the room. It’s a little embarrassing, but I admire his enthusiasm.
At least he likes books.