FOUNDATION EVENTS
22nd Noyes StoryWalk® Honors Harriet Tubman!
Kensington, MD – For its 22nd free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Before She Was Harriet, written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome.
Families can read this inspirational story on posted signs at St. Paul Park in Kensington, MD from Thursday, June 15 – Friday, June 30, 2023. St. Paul Park is located at 3500 Plyers Mill Rd., Kensington, MD. The Storywalk® is part of the Town of Kensington's 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration, which will be held at St. Paul Park on Saturday, June 17 from 12-4pm. The day's full schedule is available HERE!
Before She Was Harriet details the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with Tubman as an older woman and moving backwards chronologically. The author outlines Tubman’s many roles: a suffragist, a boatman who ferried slaves across the Combahee River, a Union spy, a nurse for soldiers, a savior who helped her parents flee from slavery, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Minty, and finally a young enslaved girl named Araminta. The award-winning book pays tribute to this Maryland native and true American hero through a powerful poem and exquisite watercolor paintings by Cline-Ransome’s husband, artist James Ransome.
Before She Was Harriet was also featured as the 14th Noyes StoryWalk® in June 2022, presented at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring, MD as part of Montgomery Parks’ Juneteenth events. Crafts and resources related to the book are available by clicking the images below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
Families can read this inspirational story on posted signs at St. Paul Park in Kensington, MD from Thursday, June 15 – Friday, June 30, 2023. St. Paul Park is located at 3500 Plyers Mill Rd., Kensington, MD. The Storywalk® is part of the Town of Kensington's 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration, which will be held at St. Paul Park on Saturday, June 17 from 12-4pm. The day's full schedule is available HERE!
Before She Was Harriet details the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with Tubman as an older woman and moving backwards chronologically. The author outlines Tubman’s many roles: a suffragist, a boatman who ferried slaves across the Combahee River, a Union spy, a nurse for soldiers, a savior who helped her parents flee from slavery, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Minty, and finally a young enslaved girl named Araminta. The award-winning book pays tribute to this Maryland native and true American hero through a powerful poem and exquisite watercolor paintings by Cline-Ransome’s husband, artist James Ransome.
Before She Was Harriet was also featured as the 14th Noyes StoryWalk® in June 2022, presented at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring, MD as part of Montgomery Parks’ Juneteenth events. Crafts and resources related to the book are available by clicking the images below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
21st Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrates Local Train History
For its 21st free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Steam Train, Dream Train, written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.
Families can read this best-selling story on posted signs at Clum-Kennedy Park in Kensington, MD from Wednesday, May 17 – Thursday June 15, 2023. Clum-Kennedy Park is located at 10207-10225 Kensington Pkwy, Kensington, MD. The Storywalk® is part of the celebration of 150 years of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad and is presented in partnership with The Kensington Historical Society and Montgomery Preservation. More information and a full calendar of 150th Anniversary events can be found HERE. The Kensington Train Station, the second oldest station in Montgomery County, is a short walk from Clum-Kennedy Park.
Steam Train, Dream Train has become a bedtime favorite, especially for children who love trains. The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls. The rhythmic language accompanying the richly detailed illustrations draws children into the book’s colorful world. Crafts and resources related to the book are available by clicking the images below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
Families can read this best-selling story on posted signs at Clum-Kennedy Park in Kensington, MD from Wednesday, May 17 – Thursday June 15, 2023. Clum-Kennedy Park is located at 10207-10225 Kensington Pkwy, Kensington, MD. The Storywalk® is part of the celebration of 150 years of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad and is presented in partnership with The Kensington Historical Society and Montgomery Preservation. More information and a full calendar of 150th Anniversary events can be found HERE. The Kensington Train Station, the second oldest station in Montgomery County, is a short walk from Clum-Kennedy Park.
Steam Train, Dream Train has become a bedtime favorite, especially for children who love trains. The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls. The rhythmic language accompanying the richly detailed illustrations draws children into the book’s colorful world. Crafts and resources related to the book are available by clicking the images below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
20th Noyes StoryWalk® Brings Poetry to Antique Row
For its 20th free Noyes StoryWalk® and its FIRST PoetryWalk, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Catch the Sky – Playful Poems on the Air We Share, by Robert Heidbreder, illustrated by Emily Dove. The PoetryWalk is a collaboration between the Foundation and the 2023 Kensington Day of the Book, which takes place on April 23, 2023 from 11am to 4pm along Antique Row in Kensington, MD.
Families can read these nature-themed poems on posted signs along Antique Row in downtown Kensington, MD from April 21 through May 3, 2023. The PoetryWalk begins at Modern Mobler, located at 3730 Howard Ave., Kensington MD, and progresses on store windows along Howard Avenue and adjacent streets, continuing to its end at Frankly, Pizza! at 10417 Armory Ave., Kensington MD. A complete map can be found by clicking the image below.
In this ‘lyrical’ picture book (Booklist) for ages 3-8, the award-winning and critically-acclaimed children’s poet, Robert Heidbreder, shares thirty memorable poems that capture the magic and beauty of all the wonderful things kids can see when they gaze at the sky, gorgeously illustrated by artist and naturalist Emily Dove. Crafts and resources related to the book are available by clicking the images below.
The 16th Kensington Day of the Book is a family-friendly street festival featuring authors, poets, artists and literary and community organizations. Families can enjoy live music, special guest speakers, children’s programs, poetry readings, cookbook demos and more. Details and a full schedule can be found at dayofthebook.com.
Families can read these nature-themed poems on posted signs along Antique Row in downtown Kensington, MD from April 21 through May 3, 2023. The PoetryWalk begins at Modern Mobler, located at 3730 Howard Ave., Kensington MD, and progresses on store windows along Howard Avenue and adjacent streets, continuing to its end at Frankly, Pizza! at 10417 Armory Ave., Kensington MD. A complete map can be found by clicking the image below.
In this ‘lyrical’ picture book (Booklist) for ages 3-8, the award-winning and critically-acclaimed children’s poet, Robert Heidbreder, shares thirty memorable poems that capture the magic and beauty of all the wonderful things kids can see when they gaze at the sky, gorgeously illustrated by artist and naturalist Emily Dove. Crafts and resources related to the book are available by clicking the images below.
The 16th Kensington Day of the Book is a family-friendly street festival featuring authors, poets, artists and literary and community organizations. Families can enjoy live music, special guest speakers, children’s programs, poetry readings, cookbook demos and more. Details and a full schedule can be found at dayofthebook.com.
19th Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrates Earth Day with Amazing Trees
For its 19th free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees and Verde Fresco: arboles asombrosas y extraordinarios, written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre.
Families can read this story about some of the world’s most amazing and remarkable trees on posted signs along a trail at Capitol View-Homewood Park (2929 Edgewood Road) in Kensington, MD from April 11 to May 15, 2023. This bilingual book is presented in partnership with Montgomery Parks and the Oakland Terrace Elementary School PTA. OTES is a Two-Way Immersion program school, and will be celebrating its Spring Reading Festival.
Cool Green / Verde Fresco is the latest offering by Delacre, who lives in the area and has gained national recognition for writing and illustrating books like Olinguito, from A to Z!, an Orbis Pictus Honor book; and illustrating The Storyteller’s Candle by Lucia M. Gonzales, for which she received one of her three Pura Belpré Honors.
Families can read this story about some of the world’s most amazing and remarkable trees on posted signs along a trail at Capitol View-Homewood Park (2929 Edgewood Road) in Kensington, MD from April 11 to May 15, 2023. This bilingual book is presented in partnership with Montgomery Parks and the Oakland Terrace Elementary School PTA. OTES is a Two-Way Immersion program school, and will be celebrating its Spring Reading Festival.
Cool Green / Verde Fresco is the latest offering by Delacre, who lives in the area and has gained national recognition for writing and illustrating books like Olinguito, from A to Z!, an Orbis Pictus Honor book; and illustrating The Storyteller’s Candle by Lucia M. Gonzales, for which she received one of her three Pura Belpré Honors.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt at Walter Reed's Child Development Center!
The Noyes Children's Library Foundation and Montgomery County Public Libraries are helping to celebrate The Month of the Military Child at Naval Support Services Bethesda (Walter Reed) with a StoryWalk® and a series of Story Times at the base's Child Development Center during April, 2023.
Children, along with their families and teachers, will enjoy We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen while walking on the grassy areas surrounding the Child Development Center. This book was also presented in Kensington in November, 2022 as the 16th Noyes Storywalk®! Families can find crafts related to the book HERE, and by scanning QR codes on the panels.
MCPL Librarians from Noyes Children's Library are participating in the Early Literacy Outreach by sharing some favorite Story Times with classes at the Child Development Center throughout April.
Children, along with their families and teachers, will enjoy We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen while walking on the grassy areas surrounding the Child Development Center. This book was also presented in Kensington in November, 2022 as the 16th Noyes Storywalk®! Families can find crafts related to the book HERE, and by scanning QR codes on the panels.
MCPL Librarians from Noyes Children's Library are participating in the Early Literacy Outreach by sharing some favorite Story Times with classes at the Child Development Center throughout April.
18th Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrates Libraries, Starting February 11!
For its 18th free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents A Library, written by Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by Erin Robinson.
Families can read this lyrical story on signs posted at Warner Circle Park from February 11 through March 12, 2023. Warner Circle Park is located at 10231 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD, across the street from the Noyes Children’s Library.
A Library is an “ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.” The words of Giovanni – a world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner – combine with Robinson’s vibrant colors and evocative images to invite readers of all ages to imagine where their library can take them.
The 18th Noyes StoryWalk® is timed to celebrate February’s Black History and Library Lovers month, and Women's History month in March. A “Library Love Letter Craft” related to the book is available by clicking below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
Families can read this lyrical story on signs posted at Warner Circle Park from February 11 through March 12, 2023. Warner Circle Park is located at 10231 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD, across the street from the Noyes Children’s Library.
A Library is an “ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.” The words of Giovanni – a world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner – combine with Robinson’s vibrant colors and evocative images to invite readers of all ages to imagine where their library can take them.
The 18th Noyes StoryWalk® is timed to celebrate February’s Black History and Library Lovers month, and Women's History month in March. A “Library Love Letter Craft” related to the book is available by clicking below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
Back to the '80s Family Dance Party a Huge Success!
Families flocked to The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation's Back to the 80's Family Dance Party at Kensington Town Hall on January 21, 2023.
A Squad Entertainment had children and parents kicking up their heels, while craft tables bustled with creativity and special Storytimes provided additional entertainment.
The Noyes Children's Library Foundation holds family dance parties to unite the community in support of its early literacy initiatives and of the Make MORE Noyes Renovation Campaign. The funding for the Make MORE Noyes Renovation has recently been achieved, and the renovation project will begin by summer 2023.
A Squad Entertainment had children and parents kicking up their heels, while craft tables bustled with creativity and special Storytimes provided additional entertainment.
The Noyes Children's Library Foundation holds family dance parties to unite the community in support of its early literacy initiatives and of the Make MORE Noyes Renovation Campaign. The funding for the Make MORE Noyes Renovation has recently been achieved, and the renovation project will begin by summer 2023.
17th Noyes StoryWalk® Starts January 14th on Antique Row
For its 17th free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Bear Snores On, written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman.
Families can read this well-loved story on posted signs along Antique Row in downtown Kensington, MD from January 14 through February 5, 2023. The StoryWalk® begins at the Town Kiosk at M&T Bank, located at 10420 Montgomery Ave., Kensington MD, and progresses on store windows along Howard Avenue, continuing to its end at Frankly, Pizza! at 10417 Armory Ave., Kensington MD. A complete map can be found HERE.
Published in 2005, Bear Snores On is the first in a series featuring a busy crew of forest friends. While Bear is hibernating during a cold winter, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up. But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on! Readers will love what happens when Bear wakes up and wants to join the party. Crafts and resources related to the book are available below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to encourage families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available below. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
16th Noyes StoryWalk® is a Rousing Family Adventure
For its 16th free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.
Families can read this classic adventure story on posted signs at Clum-Kennedy Park in Kensington, MD from Saturday, November 19 – Sunday, December 18, 2022. Clum-Kennedy Park is located at 10207-10225 Kensington Pkwy, Kensington, MD.
First published in 1989, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has invited legions of young readers to splash, squelch, trip and tiptoe on a grand search for a bear. The rhythmic language and comical repetitions enchant children of all ages, while inspiring families to gear up for their own neighborhood “bear hunt.”
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes. Crafts and resources related to the book are available below!
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January, 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Families can read this classic adventure story on posted signs at Clum-Kennedy Park in Kensington, MD from Saturday, November 19 – Sunday, December 18, 2022. Clum-Kennedy Park is located at 10207-10225 Kensington Pkwy, Kensington, MD.
First published in 1989, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has invited legions of young readers to splash, squelch, trip and tiptoe on a grand search for a bear. The rhythmic language and comical repetitions enchant children of all ages, while inspiring families to gear up for their own neighborhood “bear hunt.”
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes. Crafts and resources related to the book are available below!
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January, 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
15th Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrates Books and Imagination
For its 15th free Noyes StoryWalk®, The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Never Show a T-Rex a Book. Written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrated by Diane Ewen, the book won the 2022 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award.
Families can read this “fabulously funny” book on posted signs at Warner Circle Park in Kensington, MD from Saturday, September 3 – Sunday, October 2, 2022. Warner Circle Park is located at 10231 Carroll Pl, Kensington, MD, across the street from the Noyes Children’s Library.
Celebrating books and the power of imagination, Never Show a T-Rex a Book hits all the right notes for a back-to-school StoryWalk® as it follows the “supremely silly” possibilities when a T-Rex learns to read. Related crafts and resources are also available on this webpage.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January, 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available on this webpage. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Families can read this “fabulously funny” book on posted signs at Warner Circle Park in Kensington, MD from Saturday, September 3 – Sunday, October 2, 2022. Warner Circle Park is located at 10231 Carroll Pl, Kensington, MD, across the street from the Noyes Children’s Library.
Celebrating books and the power of imagination, Never Show a T-Rex a Book hits all the right notes for a back-to-school StoryWalk® as it follows the “supremely silly” possibilities when a T-Rex learns to read. Related crafts and resources are also available on this webpage.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January, 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available on this webpage. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Click the images below for resources for Never Show a T.rex a Book, including a list of similar books available through Montgomery County Libraries, and the opportunity to purchase copies of T.rex and another Rashmi Sirdeshpande book, with a portion of the purchase going to support Noyes StoryWalks®!
14th Noyes StoryWalk® Honors Harriet Tubman
Kensington, MD – The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, in partnership with Montgomery Parks, presents Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome as the 14th free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families can read this inspiring book on panels placed on the historic grounds of Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, at 16501 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, MD from June 11– July 3, 2022.
On Saturday, June 18 from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, June 19 from 12pm to 4pm, visitors to Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park can explore the StoryWalk®, pick up a children’s take-home activity in the Visitor Center (while supplies last), and explore the Woodlawn Museum free of charge. Visit WoodlawnManor.org for more information.
Before She Was Harriet details the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with Tubman as an older woman and moving backwards chronologically. The author outlines Tubman’s many roles: a suffragist, a boatman who ferried slaves across the Combahee River, a Union spy, a nurse for soldiers, a savior who helped her parents flee from slavery, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Minty, and finally a young enslaved girl named Araminta. While Harriet Tubman was not active in this part of Maryland, the award-winning book pays tribute to this Maryland native and true American hero through a powerful poem and exquisite watercolor paintings by Cline-Ransome’s husband, artist James Ransome.
Related crafts and resources are also available by clicking the image below . Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January, 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available on this webpage. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Please see the 22nd Noyes StoryWalk® section further up this page for the crafts and activities.
On Saturday, June 18 from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, June 19 from 12pm to 4pm, visitors to Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park can explore the StoryWalk®, pick up a children’s take-home activity in the Visitor Center (while supplies last), and explore the Woodlawn Museum free of charge. Visit WoodlawnManor.org for more information.
Before She Was Harriet details the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with Tubman as an older woman and moving backwards chronologically. The author outlines Tubman’s many roles: a suffragist, a boatman who ferried slaves across the Combahee River, a Union spy, a nurse for soldiers, a savior who helped her parents flee from slavery, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Minty, and finally a young enslaved girl named Araminta. While Harriet Tubman was not active in this part of Maryland, the award-winning book pays tribute to this Maryland native and true American hero through a powerful poem and exquisite watercolor paintings by Cline-Ransome’s husband, artist James Ransome.
Related crafts and resources are also available by clicking the image below . Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January, 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available on this webpage. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Please see the 22nd Noyes StoryWalk® section further up this page for the crafts and activities.
13th Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrates Dumplings in Every Culture
Kensington, MD - The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai as its 13th free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families are invited to read the bilingual picture book on posted signs at Clum-Kennedy Park at 10298 Frederick Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895, from May 7 – June 5, 2022. This StoryWalk is presented in partnership with the Town of Kensington in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Older Americans Month.
The award-winning Dumplings for Lili is a “heartfelt picture book celebration of food, community and family – and little dumpling treasures from around the world.” The book is a multi-cultural culinary trip through an apartment building where six different grandmothers are making their culture’s version of dumplings – and each is missing an ingredient. Lili heads out to borrow cabbage for Nai Nai’s baos, and ends up racing up and down the stairs delivering necessities to all of the cooks. Hint – don’t read this book while you’re hungry!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available on this webpage. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
The award-winning Dumplings for Lili is a “heartfelt picture book celebration of food, community and family – and little dumpling treasures from around the world.” The book is a multi-cultural culinary trip through an apartment building where six different grandmothers are making their culture’s version of dumplings – and each is missing an ingredient. Lili heads out to borrow cabbage for Nai Nai’s baos, and ends up racing up and down the stairs delivering necessities to all of the cooks. Hint – don’t read this book while you’re hungry!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available on this webpage. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
12th Noyes StoryWalk® is a Bilingual Celebration of Books
Kensington, MD - The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Waiting for the Biblioburro / Esperando el Biblioburro by Monica Brown as its 12th free Noyes StoryWalk. Families are invited to read the bilingual picture book on posted signs at Capitol View-Homewood Local Park at 2929 Edgewood Road, Kensington, MD 20895, behind Oakland Terrace Elementary School, from April 2-May 1, 2022. This StoryWalk is presented in partnership with Montgomery Parks and the Oakland Terrace Elementary School PTA. OTES is a Two-Way Immersion program school, and is celebrating its Spring Reading Festival.
Waiting for the Biblioburro / Esperando el Biblioburro is a story about Ana who loves stories. She often makes them up to help her little brother fall asleep. But in her small village there are only a few books and she has read them all. One morning, Ana wakes up to the clip-clop of hooves, and there before her is the most wonderful sight: a traveling library resting on the backs of two burros-all the books a little girl could dream of, with enough stories to encourage her to create one of her own.
Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the Biblioburro.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available at www.noyeslibraryfoundation.org/Events. StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
11th Noyes StoryWalk® Spotlights Astronaut Mae Jemison
Kensington, MD – The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed as the 11th free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families are invited to read the picture book on posted signs at Warner Circle Park, a spacious area adjacent to Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895). The Mae Among the Stars Noyes StoryWalk®, presented in collaboration with Montgomery Parks and the Town of Kensington, will run from Feb. 12 to March 13, 2022.
Mae Among the Stars is about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space, and is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts. Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA.
The book was selected by the Noyes Foundation for its STEM focus and in recognition of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March). Mae Among the Stars is the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space, and is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts. Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA.
Families can also find crafts related to Mae Among the Stars by clicking on the images below!
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
The Tenth Noyes StoryWalk® tells a Bilingual Tale of a Traveling Polar Bear
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Little Polar Bear – Where are You Going Lars? by Hans de Beer, as the tenth free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families are invited to read the book in French and English on panels posted in the windows of shops and restaurants on Howard Avenue and Armory Avenue in Kensington, MD. The Little Polar Bear Noyes StoryWalk® will run from January 15 to February 6, 2022.
Little Polar Bear – Where are You Going Lars? tells the story of a young polar bear whose father takes him out for his first hunting excursion. That night he is so tired from all his lessons that he falls fast asleep. He sleeps so soundly that he doesn’t hear the ice crack, doesn’t feel himself slowly drift away from his father and the North Pole, and doesn’t realize that his adventures have just begun. This is the first book in a classic series, and the story is presented in both English and French.
The StoryWalk® begins at the Town of Kensington Kiosk at M&T Bank at 3706 Howard Ave., Kensington, and winds along Kensington’s historic shopping district before finishing at Frankly … Pizza! at 10417 Armory Ave., Kensington. The Noyes Children's Library Foundation partnered with Jennifer Fulton at Bonjour Books on Howard Ave. and the Kensington business community to present this StoryWalk.
Families can also find crafts related to Little Polar Bear HERE, and are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD), which reopened on July 6, 2021, was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. During that time, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation provided literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community through free weekly storytimes on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. on Facebook Live (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes)—and is continuing to engage children through events, including StoryWalk® experiences. Since January 2021, Noyes StoryWalks® have featured The Mitten by Jan Brett; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz; Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag; 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver;¡Olinguito! by Lulu Delacre;The Little Engine That Could (90th Anniversary edition) by Watty Piper; and A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton.
More information on Noyes Foundation events can be found at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Little Polar Bear – Where are You Going Lars? tells the story of a young polar bear whose father takes him out for his first hunting excursion. That night he is so tired from all his lessons that he falls fast asleep. He sleeps so soundly that he doesn’t hear the ice crack, doesn’t feel himself slowly drift away from his father and the North Pole, and doesn’t realize that his adventures have just begun. This is the first book in a classic series, and the story is presented in both English and French.
The StoryWalk® begins at the Town of Kensington Kiosk at M&T Bank at 3706 Howard Ave., Kensington, and winds along Kensington’s historic shopping district before finishing at Frankly … Pizza! at 10417 Armory Ave., Kensington. The Noyes Children's Library Foundation partnered with Jennifer Fulton at Bonjour Books on Howard Ave. and the Kensington business community to present this StoryWalk.
Families can also find crafts related to Little Polar Bear HERE, and are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD), which reopened on July 6, 2021, was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. During that time, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation provided literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community through free weekly storytimes on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. on Facebook Live (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes)—and is continuing to engage children through events, including StoryWalk® experiences. Since January 2021, Noyes StoryWalks® have featured The Mitten by Jan Brett; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz; Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag; 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver;¡Olinguito! by Lulu Delacre;The Little Engine That Could (90th Anniversary edition) by Watty Piper; and A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton.
More information on Noyes Foundation events can be found at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
StoryWalk® Route Through Historic Downtown Kensington - Click HERE for the Google Map!
Ninth Noyes StoryWalk® Tells a Two-Sided Tale
Kensington, MD – The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton, as the ninth free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families are invited to read the book on posted signs as they stroll through Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Ave., Kensington, MD 20895). A Tale of Two Beasts Noyes StoryWalk® will run from November 20 to December 19, 2021.
Described as “totally delightful” in a starred Kirkus review, A Tale of Two Beasts describes an encounter in the “deep dark woods” from two different points of view - that of a little girl who discovers a strange creature and “rescues” him, and also that of the woodland creature who gets “ambushed” and taken away. Humorous illustrations invite children to see differences in the stories, and to appreciate the happy ending.
Families can also find crafts related to A Tale of Two Beasts in a bin at The Noyes Children’s Library (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD) and by clicking on the images at the bottom of this story.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD), which reopened on July 6, 2021, was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. During that time, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation provided literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community through free weekly storytimes and StoryWalk® experiences. Since January 2021, Noyes StoryWalks® have featured The Mitten by Jan Brett; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz; Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag; 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver;¡Olinguito! by Lulu Delacre; and The Little Engine That Could (90th Anniversary edition) by Watty Piper.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Described as “totally delightful” in a starred Kirkus review, A Tale of Two Beasts describes an encounter in the “deep dark woods” from two different points of view - that of a little girl who discovers a strange creature and “rescues” him, and also that of the woodland creature who gets “ambushed” and taken away. Humorous illustrations invite children to see differences in the stories, and to appreciate the happy ending.
Families can also find crafts related to A Tale of Two Beasts in a bin at The Noyes Children’s Library (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD) and by clicking on the images at the bottom of this story.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD), which reopened on July 6, 2021, was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. During that time, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation provided literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community through free weekly storytimes and StoryWalk® experiences. Since January 2021, Noyes StoryWalks® have featured The Mitten by Jan Brett; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz; Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag; 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver;¡Olinguito! by Lulu Delacre; and The Little Engine That Could (90th Anniversary edition) by Watty Piper.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Click the pictures below for links to A Tale of Two Beasts crafts!
Eighth Noyes StoryWalk® to Showcase a Classic Train Tale
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents the 90th anniversary edition of The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, with new illustrations by Dan Santat, as the eighth free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families are invited to read the book on posted signs as they stroll through Reinhardt Park (10400 Armory Ave., Kensington, MD). The Little Engine That Could Noyes StoryWalk® will run from Sept. 10 to Oct. 10, 2021.
Piper’s classic tale of persistence is fitting for these pandemic times, and the train theme continues to delight people of all ages. During the first weekend of the Noyes StoryWalk®, visitors can also check out the popular Kensington Train Show, which features model trains and more. The Train Show, less than a block from Reinhardt Park, will be open for visitors on Sept. 11 and 12, 2021, at Kensington Town Hall (3710 Mitchell St., Kensington MD). More info on the train show, including admission prices, is at kensingtontrainshow.com.
Families can also find crafts related to The Little Engine That Could on the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation website at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD), which reopened on July 6, 2021, was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. During that time, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation provided literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community through free weekly storytimes on Facebook Live and is continuing to engage children through events, including StoryWalk® experiences. Since January 2021, Noyes StoryWalks® have featured The Mitten by Jan Brett; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz; Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag; 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver; and ¡Olinguito! by Lulu Delacre.
More information on Noyes Foundation events can be found at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Piper’s classic tale of persistence is fitting for these pandemic times, and the train theme continues to delight people of all ages. During the first weekend of the Noyes StoryWalk®, visitors can also check out the popular Kensington Train Show, which features model trains and more. The Train Show, less than a block from Reinhardt Park, will be open for visitors on Sept. 11 and 12, 2021, at Kensington Town Hall (3710 Mitchell St., Kensington MD). More info on the train show, including admission prices, is at kensingtontrainshow.com.
Families can also find crafts related to The Little Engine That Could on the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation website at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Pl., Kensington, MD), which reopened on July 6, 2021, was closed for more than a year due to the pandemic. During that time, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation provided literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community through free weekly storytimes on Facebook Live and is continuing to engage children through events, including StoryWalk® experiences. Since January 2021, Noyes StoryWalks® have featured The Mitten by Jan Brett; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz; Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag; 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver; and ¡Olinguito! by Lulu Delacre.
More information on Noyes Foundation events can be found at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Seventh Noyes StoryWalk® A Bilingual Celebration of Conservation!
Families journeyed to the beautiful, magical cloud forest of the Andes through the pages of the book !Olinguito! at the seventh Noyes StoryWalk®, presented by the Noyes Children's Library Foundation at Wheaton Local Park in Wheaton, MD from July 17th through August 15th.
As part of Montgomery Parks’ celebration of the annual Latino Conservation Week, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presented the book ¡Olinguito! by local author Lulu Delacre as the seventh Noyes StoryWalk®. Families were able to read the book on posted signs as they stroll through Wheaton Local Park, a spacious area adjacent to the new Wheaton Community Recreation Center and Wheaton Library.
In the bilingual ¡Olinguito!, the Spanish alphabet guides readers through the magical cloud forest of the Andes in Ecuador, South America. Inspired by the 2013 discovery of the olinguito, a small mammal, Delacre introduces a wide range of plants and animals native to the unique ecosystem. The book includes background information on the discovery and a glossary, along with digital resources available HERE.
Delacre is the author and illustrator of many award-winning children's books, as well as a nonfiction novel for teens. Winner of several Pura Belpré Award Honors, Delacre has been named a Maryland Woman in the Arts and served as a juror for the 2003 National Book Awards. Delacre lectures internationally; has been chosen to exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum and the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, as well as other prominent venues; and was honored as a Champion of Children’s Literacy by Reading is Fundamental. A native of Puerto Rico, Delacre lives with her husband in Silver Spring, Maryland. For more information about Lulu Delacre visit luludelacre.com.
More about Montgomery County Parks’ celebration of Latino Conservation Week, as well as additional conservation-related activities can be found at https://www.montgomeryparks.org/celebrate-latino-conservation-week-2/. Families can also find crafts related to ¡Olinguito! on the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation website at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
As part of Montgomery Parks’ celebration of the annual Latino Conservation Week, the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presented the book ¡Olinguito! by local author Lulu Delacre as the seventh Noyes StoryWalk®. Families were able to read the book on posted signs as they stroll through Wheaton Local Park, a spacious area adjacent to the new Wheaton Community Recreation Center and Wheaton Library.
In the bilingual ¡Olinguito!, the Spanish alphabet guides readers through the magical cloud forest of the Andes in Ecuador, South America. Inspired by the 2013 discovery of the olinguito, a small mammal, Delacre introduces a wide range of plants and animals native to the unique ecosystem. The book includes background information on the discovery and a glossary, along with digital resources available HERE.
Delacre is the author and illustrator of many award-winning children's books, as well as a nonfiction novel for teens. Winner of several Pura Belpré Award Honors, Delacre has been named a Maryland Woman in the Arts and served as a juror for the 2003 National Book Awards. Delacre lectures internationally; has been chosen to exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum and the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, as well as other prominent venues; and was honored as a Champion of Children’s Literacy by Reading is Fundamental. A native of Puerto Rico, Delacre lives with her husband in Silver Spring, Maryland. For more information about Lulu Delacre visit luludelacre.com.
More about Montgomery County Parks’ celebration of Latino Conservation Week, as well as additional conservation-related activities can be found at https://www.montgomeryparks.org/celebrate-latino-conservation-week-2/. Families can also find crafts related to ¡Olinguito! on the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation website at noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events.
Click on the images below for MORE about this StoryWalk®!
Sixth Noyes StoryWalk® A Heroic Success!
Families celebrated the heroes all around us with the Sixth Noyes StoryWalk®, featuring the book 10 Hidden Heroes by local author Mark Shriver, posted on signs in Warner Circle Park, a spacious area adjacent to Noyes Library for Young Children from Saturday, June 19 through Sunday, July 18.
10 Hidden Heroes is a “fun-filled and inspiring seek-and-find book in which New York Times bestselling author and president of Save the Children Action Network Mark K. Shriver highlights the various ways children and adults can be real-life heroes in their everyday lives. Children learn to count the individual heroes who shine a light on the importance of helping others, whether it’s through teaching, caring for animals, protecting the environment, or keeping others from harm.” (barnesandnoble.com). The book is illustrated by Laura Watson.
Considered a "family effort" by Shriver, whose children suggested heroes to feature on the brightly illustrated pages, 10 Hidden Heroes celebrates America's many everyday heroes as the nation gets ready to celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday. Notable among the heroes featured are Special Olympics athletes and volunteers - Shriver's mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the worldwide Special Olympics movement - as well as Peace Corps volunteers, as Shriver's father, Sargent Shriver, was the founding Director of the Peace Corps.
The StoryWalk® also celebrated the long-awaited re-opening of Noyes Children’s Library on July 6, as all Montgomery County Public Libraries return to in-person service.
10 Hidden Heroes is a “fun-filled and inspiring seek-and-find book in which New York Times bestselling author and president of Save the Children Action Network Mark K. Shriver highlights the various ways children and adults can be real-life heroes in their everyday lives. Children learn to count the individual heroes who shine a light on the importance of helping others, whether it’s through teaching, caring for animals, protecting the environment, or keeping others from harm.” (barnesandnoble.com). The book is illustrated by Laura Watson.
Considered a "family effort" by Shriver, whose children suggested heroes to feature on the brightly illustrated pages, 10 Hidden Heroes celebrates America's many everyday heroes as the nation gets ready to celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday. Notable among the heroes featured are Special Olympics athletes and volunteers - Shriver's mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the worldwide Special Olympics movement - as well as Peace Corps volunteers, as Shriver's father, Sargent Shriver, was the founding Director of the Peace Corps.
The StoryWalk® also celebrated the long-awaited re-opening of Noyes Children’s Library on July 6, as all Montgomery County Public Libraries return to in-person service.
Fifth Noyes StoryWalk® Shines a Spotlight on Some Cool Bugs!
Families are invited to read Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag, on posted signs as they stroll through a park in Kensington. The Noyes Cecily Cicada StoryWalk®, presented by the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation in collaboration with the Town of Kensington, will be available for self-guided exploration from Saturday, May 15, 2021, through Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Ave., Kensington, MD 20895). The event is likely to coincide with swarms of 17-year cicadas in the D.C. region
The mother-daughter authors wrote Cecily Cicada before the last emergence of Brood X cicadas in 2004 to ease the fears of their 3-year-old granddaughter/daughter. They rereleased the book in anticipation of this year’s blanketing of the bugs in parts of the eastern United States. The story explains the lifecycle of a cicada through cute characters and playful language.
While enjoying the StoryWalk® experience, visitors are asked to wear masks and observe social distance. Street parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding Clum-Kennedy Park (do not park in the retail lot across the street).
A free craft kit related to Cecily Cicada will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895) on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4pm) for the duration of the StoryWalk® (except in inclement weather). StoryWalk® panels will also include QR codes sending families to the Noyes Children's Library Foundation's website for PDF's of the craft sheets, as well as to sites featuring more insect and science activities for young children.
Families are encouraged to share a photo of the walk, a selfie at Noyes, and/or a photo of the completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes), post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
Families can also tune into free weekly storytimes on Tuesdays at 11am presented by the Foundation on Facebook Live (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes). A previous storytime featured D.C. stage actor and Kensington mom Karen Vincent reading Cecily Cicada and can be found on the Foundation’s Facebook page.
While the Noyes Library for Young Children remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Noyes Foundation has been providing literacy outreach to the Greater D.C. community. The first Noyes StoryWalk® in January featured pages from The Mitten by Jan Brett in store windows in Kensington; a February StoryWalk® focused on The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and was installed at Warner Circle Park in Kensington; the StoryWalk® in March at Kensington’s Clum-Kennedy Park highlighted Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris; and an Earth Day-themed StoryWalk® in April shared Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall at Capitol View-Homewood Local Park in Kensington.
Fourth Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrates Earth Day and Cultural Traditions!
In celebration of Earth Day, families are invited to read the bilingual book Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, on posted signs as they stroll through a park in Kensington. The Noyes Rainbow Weaver StoryWalk® will be available for self-guided exploration from Saturday, April 17, 2021, through Friday, May 28, 2021, at Capitol View-Homewood Local Park (2929 Edgewood Road, Kensington, MD 20895).
The Rainbow Weaver StoryWalk® has recently been extended through May 28th because the story's author, Linda Elovitz Marshall, will join the students of Oakland Terrace Elementary School for a virtual Storytime on Wednesday, May 26th. Marshall will read the book and answer questions from students.
The StoryWalk® is presented with the cooperation of Montgomery Parks and the Oakland Terrace Elementary School PTA. The park is adjacent to Oakland Terrace, an MCPS Spanish-English immersion school. Rainbow Weaver, which is told in both Spanish and English on each spread in the book, focuses on a young Mayan girl who wants to weave like her mother and the women of her Guatemalan village but doesn’t have any materials. She discovers that she can weave with pieces cut from the plastic bags littering the village, and then she can sell her weaving to help pay for her school and school books.
A QR code at the StoryWalk® to scan will take users to the Foundation’s website for crafts and printable coloring pages related to the book. While enjoying the StoryWalk® experience, visitors are asked to wear masks and observe social distance.
Families are encouraged to share a photo of the walk on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes), post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
Families can also tune into free weekly storytimes on Tuesdays presented by the Foundation on Facebook Live (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes). A storytime on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, will include D.C. stage actor and Kensington mom Karen Vincent reading Rainbow Weaver. The storytime can be viewed live at 11am (EST). Storytimes with Vincent continue weekly on Tuesdays at 11am on Facebook Live.
Third Outdoors Noyes StoryWalk® Celebrated Big Ideas!
The Noyes Children's Library Foundation brought families to the beautiful Clum Kennedy Park in historic Kensington, MD to read the book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea during March and April, 2021. The third Noyes Storywalk® was perfectly timed to honor Women's History Month and all women who persist and collaborate to turn "No into Yes"!
Written by Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece, Meena Harris, Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea is based on a true story about Kamala Harris and her older sister, Maya. The girls want to create a play area in their apartment building’s courtyard, and they use collective cooperation to achieve their goal.
Nearly 200 families stopped in to pick up a free craft kit related to Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea from a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children, while children were also able to enjoy a Storytime presented by the Foundation on Facebook Live (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes) on March 23, 2021, with D.C. stage actor and Kensington mom Karen Vincent reading Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.
The Foundation included suggestions for books similar to Kamala and Maya's Big Idea, posted on the back of the StoryWalk® panels. For a list of these suggestions, click HERE - and happy reading! Kamala and Maya's Big Idea is available at MCPL libraries, accessed during the continued library closure through an online request system HERE.
StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
Second Noyes StoryWalk® Paid Tribute to Groundbreaking Author
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The Noyes Children's Library Foundation celebrated winter, Black History Month, and the power of creativity with its Second StoryWalk®, treating families to an outdoor reading of The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats during February and March, 2021.
The self-guided, socially distanced Noyes StoryWalk® wound through the grounds of Warner Circle Park, a spacious area adjacent to Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895). The Snowy Day StoryWalk®, presented in collaboration with Montgomery Parks, featured both the English and Spanish versions of the book posted on spaced apart signs, and included interactive suggestions tied into the book to encourage families to get some exercise on their outing.
Said Linda E. Johnson, President & CEO of Brooklyn Public Library: "Ezra Jack Keats forever changed children’s literature and the lives of countless young readers when he depicted an African-American boy playing in an urban environment in The Snowy Day. For decades, Keats gave a voice to youth who were underrepresented in children’s books and worked tirelessly to promote literacy. Drawing inspiration from his childhood spent in Brooklyn, he became one of the world’s most important children’s authors and illustrators, and to this day, his delightful imagination and vivid artwork continue to captivate audiences."
The Second Noyes Storywalk® brought dozens of families to Warner Circle Park, even while the weather in the region lived up to the wintry illustrations in The Snowy Day! Find out MORE about Ezra Jack Keats and The Snowy Day HERE.
The Noyes Children's Library Foundation celebrated winter, Black History Month, and the power of creativity with its Second StoryWalk®, treating families to an outdoor reading of The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats during February and March, 2021.
The self-guided, socially distanced Noyes StoryWalk® wound through the grounds of Warner Circle Park, a spacious area adjacent to Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895). The Snowy Day StoryWalk®, presented in collaboration with Montgomery Parks, featured both the English and Spanish versions of the book posted on spaced apart signs, and included interactive suggestions tied into the book to encourage families to get some exercise on their outing.
Said Linda E. Johnson, President & CEO of Brooklyn Public Library: "Ezra Jack Keats forever changed children’s literature and the lives of countless young readers when he depicted an African-American boy playing in an urban environment in The Snowy Day. For decades, Keats gave a voice to youth who were underrepresented in children’s books and worked tirelessly to promote literacy. Drawing inspiration from his childhood spent in Brooklyn, he became one of the world’s most important children’s authors and illustrators, and to this day, his delightful imagination and vivid artwork continue to captivate audiences."
The Second Noyes Storywalk® brought dozens of families to Warner Circle Park, even while the weather in the region lived up to the wintry illustrations in The Snowy Day! Find out MORE about Ezra Jack Keats and The Snowy Day HERE.
First Noyes StoryWalk® a Huge Success
The first Noyes StoryWalk®, presented by the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation in January, featured The Mitten by Jan Brett in store windows in Kensington, MD. Hundreds of children enjoyed reading the book while walking through historic downtown Kensington. Free craft kits were made available in front of Noyes Children's Library - the kits disappeared quickly as families made their way from the StoryWalk® to the Library each weekend! A long-time friend of Noyes donated a copy of The Mitten with Jan Brett's autograph and a fun sketch. The Foundation invited its Instagram followers to enter a drawing for the book by tagging two friends, and the winner was drawn before The Snowy Day StoryWalk® began on February 6th. The Foundation thanks Edelman for the Outreach Grant that makes the Noyes StoryWalk® program possible, as well as the Town of Kensington, MD. The Foundation also sends a big shout-out to all of the Kensington businesses who participated, in some cases designing their window displays around The Mitten and children's books! Participating Businesses: Frankly Pizza, Potomac Sweets, Kensington Row Bookshop, G&G Antiques, Adah Rose Gallery, GIGS Studio, Bonjour Books DC, SW7, deliClub, Goldsborough Glynn Antiques, Sally Shaffer Antiques, Pink Dot, Modern Mobler, M&T Bank, Jubilee Association of Maryland. Thank you! |