by Jennifer Hazard
Whether you're reading to a child one-on-one or to a group of preschoolers gathered around you, the experience is almost always memorable. Kids have a natural curiosity — an ability to see details and ask questions that haven't occurred to most adults. When you experience a book from a child's perspective, it's as if a whole new story emerges.
at Maine Audubon Apple Day
A story walk, which displays the pages of a picture book on a series of signs outdoors, has the same wondrous effect, but on a larger scale. Last fall I took my then 9-year old daughter to an Apple Day Celebration at Gilsland Farm Maine Audubon in Falmouth. I asked her if she might like to see an Islandport story walk with me, and I was surprised when she agreed. The walk featured the pages of A Little Brown Bat Story, a board book for younger children written by Melissa Kim, but the idea of reading the story on a woodland trail appealed to her.
Jada Fitch's vivid illustrations fit right in among the tall trees and grasses along the trail. The woods were quiet, making the walk feel like it was designed solely for our viewing. My daughter stopped along the path to read each page. "Bats can eat almost 1,000 mosquitoes!" my bug-phobic girl told me, followed by, "I never thought I'd like bats as much as I do now."
At Islandport, we've developed story walks in a series of memorable places— from the scenic trails of Gilsland Farm to the lush grounds of the State House in Montepelier, Vermont. It's a project our staff takes pride in because we understand the importance of engaging our children with great books.
If you're interested in learning more about our story walk program for a library garden, school playground or special event, feel free to contact us anytime at 207.846.3344 or info@islandportpress.com.
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