Library's Storytelling Festival Celebrates International Children's Book Day

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- Developing a love of reading begins with children who are read to from the time they are very young.

To honor that and promote it, the Ocean County Library will be participating in the global celebration of International Children’s Book Day by holding a special Storytelling Festival on Saturday, April 16.

The special daylong event is held at the Toms River branch (101 Washington St.), featuring programs for children ages 3 and up.

International Children’s Book Day is celebrated each April, inspiring children to pick up a book and to read, in honor of the April 2 birthday of noted children’s author Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen’s famous children’s stories include “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”

Organized by the International Board on Books For Young People, the aim is to promote books and reading to young people. To register for the programs below call 732-349-6200 or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org

11 a.m. Youth Stages Presents Farmyard Follies: This exciting program is part touring play and part interactive workshop. It includes songs (“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”), stories (“The Three Little Pigs”) and story-songs (“There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”). Children will make suggestions, act in pantomime, and sing along with the Youth Stages actor-educator. Ages 3-9.

Noon Stories with Sparks: Children and their families are invited to meet the Ocean County Library mascot, Sparks, and enjoy stories and a craft. Ages 3-10.

1 p.m. Just Enough is Plenty: What do you do with a big, noisy family and a small, cramped house? The answer is surprising! In this zany tale one farmer seeks advice in order to solve his problem with unusual results. Come join storyteller Joan Seele-Goold and help to bring this story to life. Following the story a few musical instruments will be passed out and a sing along will take place. Ages 3-10.

2 p.m. Dragons & Dreams: In a faraway world with castles, kings, an ice sorceress, and a powerful item called the Horn of Fire, two young villagers take a daring journey to release the dragons and save the entire kingdom. Join us as we learn all about dry ice and the shifting states of matter through the tale of “Dragons & Dreams.” Ages 5-11.

3 p.m. BONK! Expressive Drum and Percussion Workshop: Kids will have fun expressing themselves with this interactive program as they are introduced to interesting drums and percussive instruments from around the world. Ages 4-10.

(Child reading, by wealhtheow1, via Flickr under Creative Commons license)