One World, Many Stories

This beautiful weather has me thinking ahead to summer! I’m very excited about this year’s summer reading theme, “One World, Many Stories.” It makes me think about folktales from around the world, traveling to exotic places, trying new foods and learning about other cultures. We invite all young people to come into the Wayland Public Library, beginning June 20, for a summer reading inspiration bag, which includes information about the program, our special events calendar, a colorful bookmark and temporary tattoo.

This year’s theme also makes me think about all the different animals from around the world and, on that note, the youth department is fostering a Pygmy elephant from the World Wildlife Federation. Children are encouraged to suggest a name for the elephant at the end of the summer festivities!

Special events at the public library will include a Balinese shadow puppet-making workshop, a haiku program with cardmaking, music with Hugh Hanely, and stories from around the world with Mary Jo Maichack. Please check our online calendar for updates and events such as our Teen writing workshop and storytimes at Russell’s Farmer’s Market!

 Looking for a little worldly inspiration? Here are some terrific picturebooks to check out:

"I Lost My Tooth in Africa" by Penda Diakité and Baba Wagué Diakité. What do you do if you lose your tooth in Mali? Why you put it under a gourd, and you will get a chicken from the African Tooth Fairy! Includes a recipe for African onion sauce.

"Bon appetit, Bertie!" by Joan Knight. Through an error in translation, Bertie, staying in room 22 of his hotel, ends up ordering a feast for 22 people! Lively illustrations and French vocabulary make this book a winner. And it makes me hungry!

"Olivia Goes to Venice" by Ian Falconer. The irrepressible Olivia is vacationing in Venice, Italy! Did you know that gelato is Italian ice cream? It’s delicious, just ask Olivia!

"Wombat Goes Walkabout" by Michael Morpurgo. On his walkabout in Australia, Wombat meets a cackling Kookaburra, a hopping Wallaby, a swinging Possum, a scampering Emu, a dozing Koala and a hunting Boy. When wombat spots a fire he uses his skills to help everyone to safety. It’s quite an adventure!

"The Runaway Wok" by Ying Chang Compestine. This Chinese New Year tale was inspired by a Danish folktale proving that stories and other cultures continue to inspire creativity! This is another spirited story that will leave you craving for more than just books!

Watch for more posts from me about happenings at the library, good reads and summer fun!