I do believe that Barnes and Noble has this policy in place to protect your child, just as much as protecting their assets.

I for one would be grateful that a employee approached a young child and was looking to reunite him with his parents, rather than just leave a child wandering around a store not caring what happens to the kid that isn't really old enough to be walking around a big place like that on their own.

Not only are the lots of physical ways the kid could have hurt himself by not paying attention to his surroundings, which is something kids tend to do a lot, but he is stil young enough to get lost and confused in a big place.

Be greatful that Barnes and Noble gives a crap about the safety of your child.