Wow, the OP was lucky the store employee didn't call the cops reporting an unattended child. At that hour especially, I would be watching my kid like a hawk. His personal freedom ends where Mr Pervert's desires begin and what a better place than a children's book section.

Sadly, this seems indicative of many parents; let The Village watch the kids because they, the parents, don't have the patience. The kid takes a long time to pick out a book? Well it only takes a second for someone to snatch him up. Isn't it worth the wait to be sure the child is safe? Or better yet, tell the kid he has a certain amount of time in which he can pick his books and after that he looses out until the next time.I bet he will speed things up.

I doubt if the store employee spoke loudly to be rude. She probably just wanted to be heard since she and the parents were some distance away. Anyway, better a rude employee than a kidnapped kid.