Parents of Young Children Flocking to Early Risers Storytime Program

DEDHAM, MA - Visitors to Dedham Square may have spotted an unusual number of parents, children, and strollers in the early morning hours on Saturdays. Word has it that they're making a bee line to Early Risers Story Time, the must-attend event for young families.

For those with little ones who wake in the wee hours, it can be a challenge to find opportunities that keep them entertained - without resorting to tablets, devices and screens. Clearly, the Early

Risers Story Time, which kicks off each Saturday at 8am, has become a hugely-valued option for area families who are eager to find a fun, educational, in-person experience for their children.

Initially launched at the independent bookstore Blue Bunny Books in Dedham Square, owned by best-selling children's book author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, the event quickly outgrew the shop's space, and moved its new location right around the corner at Reynolds' new non-profit creativity recharge center TLC Studios & Media Lab at 390 High Street.

Reynolds notes, "Over the past two decades, The Blue Bunny has been known for quality events for all ages - featuring literary celebs like Jeff Kinney, Jan Brett, Scott Magoon, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Susan Verde. After taking an obvious break during COVID, we've ramped up our events. As we've done that, we wanted to be sure we were offering something to families during those early hours when parents are in need of a good cup of coffee and quality learning experience for their little one."

As serendipity would have it, Reynolds met Kiersten Case, a local music educator, and children’s performer, who also happens to be a neurodivergent adult with special sensitivity to children who learn differently. Case worked with Peter to launch the weekly Early Risers Story Time, which features Case's performer character Ms. Kiersten. The event also brings in guest presenters, including Clarissa Robyn, a Montessori educator of 20+ years and founder of Star Path Montessori, as well as Janet Reynolds, who has been part of The Blue Bunny team since it launched over twenty years ago.

Case shares, "I love bringing joy and representation to children while helping them connect through story, music and movement - so this collaboration with Peter and his team has been an incredible opportunity to expand my impact."

Case runs a children’s YouTube channel, Ms. Kiersten’s Music Corner, and released her debut album, Connecting the Dots, featuring songs that celebrate neurodiversity, fun dance tracks, and whimsical tales like honeybees living under toasters. Currently, she is working on Lilypad Academy, a puppet-and-live-action children’s show inspired by classics like Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, designed to offer representation she didn’t see growing up. Reynolds twin brother Paul, who serves as Executive Director at TLC Studios, notes, "Ms. Kiersten's work embodies creativity, inclusivity, and joy - which resonate deeply with the mission of Reynolds Center TLC, which is the non-profit that runs the new studio and media lab."

Early Risers Storytime meets every Saturday morning from 8-9 a.m. at TLC Studios, 390 Washington Street in Dedham, MA. As Peter Reynolds reminds everyone, "Be sure to grab a cup of coffee from Mocha Java and hop on over!" TLC Studio offers an e-newsletter to provide information about its literacy & creativity workshops for all ages.

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About the TLC Studios/Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity

RC-TLC recently launched its latest offering - TLC Studios & Media Lab - a welcoming place for teachers to recharge their creative batteries, and for students and families to be inspired to Create Bravely. Located just outside Boston in historic Dedham Square, Massachusetts - and just a hop around the corner from the Reynolds family’s award-winning indie bookshop Blue Bunny Books. TLC Studios includes video studio, podcasting studio, presentation space, animation & AR/VR resources, and a makerspace. TLC Studios is now serving educators – both in-person and virtually – with creative Professional Development resources that include constructionist STEAM curriculum, SEL and writing programs tied to the books of Paul & Peter H. Reynolds.