In Line with Storytime

I've been leading storytime in the library for 7 months now (along with Miss Annabelle, who alternates Wednesdays with me). I had some big shoes to fill following Miss Dona, who led storytime for over 10 years and was a celebrity among the preschoolers on base. To say I was a little nervous at the beginning is probably an understatement.

I'm no stranger to reading and speaking in front of groups. Before becoming a librarian, I taught college dramatic literature courses and high school English classes. I confess that 9th graders were the youngest crowd I dealt with until last September. Sure, I could act goofy (as my co-workers can attest from my pandemic-time Morning Boogies), but could I keep the attention of 2- to 5-year olds?

After 7 months we've been having large numbers at storytime--18 to 34 kids on average, along with their adults. I'm guessing they must enjoy the stories, the dancing, the crafts, and the other activities (that, or everyone really needs to get out of the house after the pandemic). I have to say that it's great to see all the enthusiastic, smiling little faces!

If you are one of my storytime attendees, I thank you for coming and I thank you for your patience. I'm learning as I go along and things may not always run perfectly. Remembering names has never been my strong suit, so forgive me if it takes me a while to learn everyone's name (please don't be offended if I ask several times). And if you have some book requests or ideas for crafts, I'm all ears. Let's have fun reading, dancing, and crafting together!

Wishing lots of good reading to the young (and young at heart) readers from the perch.

The Power of Children's Books, Part 2

I recently read an article about how a number of Ukrainian fairy tales feature an "underdog hero" who ultimately becomes successful. These stories are not only a part of Ukrainian culture, but also an influence on the collective Ukrainian character to persevere. This is something we currently see each day as Ukrainians defend their homeland against all odds from Russian invaders.

Take a moment and think about the fairy tales you enjoyed as a child. Maybe you thought about walking through a wardrobe to enter Narnia. Or going on a quest in Middle Earth. Or attending Hogwarts and learning about witchcraft and wizardry.

As an adult, you probably don't give fairy tales much thought, but whether or not you realize it, they played a role in shaping you into the person you've become. Children are impressionable, absorbing and internalizing what they hear, see, and read. Fairy tales help children understand how the world operates and how people can react when faced with different situations or challenges. 

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or someone who works with children, never underestimate the power of books on young, developing minds. Long after you finish reading a story aloud, children will process and ponder on that story again and again. To them, the story feels real and the characters are people with whom they empathize. 

Which fairy tales or children's books were your favorite? Share with us!

Wishing you happily ever afters from the perch.