WHAT IS THE ONCE UPON A READER PROGRAM?
Once Upon a Reader, entering its 2nd year, is a Minnesota one-book program designed for pre-K children and their families. The focus of the program is to promote Minnesota children’s literature and authors and encourage families to talk, sing, read, write, and play together – five important practices that build early literacy skills. Once Upon a Reader is sponsored by the Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators (CRPLSA) and funded from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
The book chosen for the 2016 Once Upon a Reader program is Ten Pigs: an Epic Bath Adventure by Minnesota author and illustrator, Derek Anderson. For the second year as well, all children enrolled in Head Start in Minnesota will receive a paperback copy of Ten Pigs: an Epic Adventure by Derek Anderson. Books will be distributed to over 500 Head Start children in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine counties and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibway. This year ECRL also earmarked money from its Legacy funds to purchase a paperback book to be distributed to every licensed daycare provider and center in our 6 county-region as well.
ACTIVITIES
Join Minnesota author and illustrator, Derek Anderson, for a one-of-a-kind show that will be held at three branches of East Central Regional Library on March 8 and 9 as part of the Once Upon a Reader program. He will read his book Ten Pigs: an Epic Bath Adventure aloud, lead a reenactment of the book, sketch, sing and more in his portable one-man show. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for fun! Suitable for families and groups with children ages 0-6.
For those East Central Regional Library branches not being visited by Derek Anderson and the Ten Pigs Trunk show, we have something special for you. Nalah and the Pink Tiger is a book and also a delightful, interactive, original puppet show designed and performed by artist, author and puppeteer, Sawyer-Aitch that will be presented at each of the other eleven of East Central Regional Library. This program is free, open to the public and suited for children pre-K thru Grade 5. Nalah and the Pink Tiger program is also part of the Once Upon a Reader program.
Anne has worked with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, Barebones Productions, Three Legged Race, Steppingstone Theatre, Artstart, Galumph Interactive Theatre, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Open Eye Figure Theatre.
All East Central Regional Library branches will also be offering the Ten Pigs: an Epic Scavenger hunt contest and Ten Bubbles: an epic early literacy adventure during March and April for children ages 0-6. Check with your local ECRL branch for the dates of each contest. Help us celebrate the Once Upon a Reader by attending the puppet show and participating in these activities at your local ECRL branch.
For more information about the Once Upon a Reader program visit the website at www.onceuponareader.org.