Last week we visited the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman law offices in Manhattan to celebrate Susan J. Kohlmann for the pro bono work she has provided to First Book since its inception. In recognition of her dedication, First Book distributed 100,000 Random House books in her name to children in the New York area. And what better way to celebrate? Invite a group of children to the law firm for snacks and story hour – and of course books to take home.

Early last Thursday morning, 20 Kindergartners from Graham-Windham Harlem Child Care Center arrived at the tall building located off Broadway. You could tell greeting 5 year-olds was a refreshing change from the security guards’ daily routine.

Hand in hand, the children rode the elevator up 22 floors, giggling the entire way. Instructed to use their “inside” quiet voices, the children entered the law firm with wide eyes and big smiles. Racing to the windows overlooking Times Square, the kids exclaimed, “Look! There’s our bus!” “Wow – look at that!”

The event took place in the firm’s main conference room, with the kids sitting around the power table, their legs dangling off the chairs. Peter Gold, formerly with the firm, as well as the Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of First Book, welcomed the children, along with Susan Kohlmann, other attorneys, and staff members.

Susan read two stories to the children: Dr. Seuss’s The Nose Book and the tongue twister Ahoyty-Toyty by Helen Stephens. They listened to the stories while laughing, pointing at their noses, and chiming in with the type of comments that only 5 year-olds can make, as she read aloud.

And that’s what it’s all about. Being a part of the generosity of those who have, sharing with those who have little, made all of us hope and giggle and realize that we’re all the same. And as Susan said, “When you grow up, I hope you can have jobs that help other people too.”