My kids have their annual school Book Fair sometime around now.

I say “around now” because I know it has started, sort of, books are on display but the actual purchasing of books and trinkets may commence at the beginning of next week and takes place over a few days.

Ellie asked me if she could bring some money to school for the Book Fair and I told her to browse the fair, make a list of a few books she might like to read and then we would go over it together. We could then make a purchase (maybe) on Monday.

Ellie thought for a second and then explained, “If I don’t have money, I can’t buy anything.”

Right, you look today, we buy on Monday. (maybe)

Ellie, “Well, I’m not allowed to look if I don’t have any money.”

Huh. So someone is going to check your pockets?

Ellie, “I can’t lie and say I have money and then not buy something.”

Can’t you say you are browsing with an intent-to-purchase (maybe) but you need a day to process all of these amazing titles?

Ellie, “They won’t let me look unless I bring money.”

So everyone browsing today will have fistfuls of money, holding out their hands proving they mean business?

What if those kids opt not to buy anything even though they have fistfuls of money?

Ellie, “They won’t even let me in the room if I don’t have money. I’ll have to walk past and try to look really fast but I won’t get any titles.”

I’m sure you can look a little.

Ellie, “Well they might let me look but I’m not allowed to look behind one book to see what’s in the next row.
So you’re ordered to front row browsing only.

Ellie, “Yes, if I don’t have money. And I can’t touch the books. And, I can’t lie and say I have money if I don’t.”

This Book Fair may have the tightest security I’ve ever heard of.