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Errol's Garden
Errol loves gardening, but there isn't enough room in his flat to grow everything that he would like. When he discovers a secret but neglected space at the top of the apartment block, he has a wonderful idea, but to carry it out he'll need some help. Surely the other residents will be too busy to help him realize his dream? Or just not interested enough? In this heart-warming tale of common purpose within a diverse community, Gillian Hibbs illustrates the power of the natural world to inspire and reward humanity within a seemingly inauspicious environment.
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I Took the Moon for a Walk
When the day has ended and everyone else has fallen asleep, a young boy embarks on an adventure with his friend, the Moon. Their unusual journey is described in lyrical verse, creating a magical story that celebrates the serene beauty of the world at night.
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Pumpkin Soup
By the Kate Greenaway Medalist
Deep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt. But one day the Duck wants to stir instead, and then there is a horrible squabble, and he leaves the cabin in a huff. It isn't long before the Cat and the Squirrel start to worry about him and begin a search for their friend. Rendered in pictures richly evoking autumn, Helen Cooper's delightful story will resonate for an child who has known the difficulties that come with friendship. Included at the end is a recipe for delicious pumpkin soup. -
Fall in the Country
Join the fun of finding and counting all the animals, flowers, and insects, as more and more appear on a lively walk through the country in the fall. Packed with repetition that young children love and that also helps them learn, this is an entertaining introduction to colors, numbers, and the seasons.
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I Wish You Knew
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Children's Book of 2021
A heartfelt story that explores the aftermath of deportation, I Wish You Knew celebrates the power of connection and empathy among children.
When Estrella’s father has to leave because
he wasn’t born here, like her,
She misses him.
And she wishes people knew the way it affects her.
At home. At school.
Always.
But a school wrapped around a hundred-year-old oak tree is the perfect place to share and listen.
Some kids miss family,
Some kids are hungry,
Some kids live in shelters.But nobody is alone.
A story about deportation, divided families, and the importance of community in the midst of uncertainty.
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Our Class is a Family
"Family isn't always your relatives. It's the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what." -Unknown
Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved.
With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, "Our Class is a Family" is a book that will help build and strengthen that class community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it's safe to be themselves, it's okay to make mistakes, and it's important to be a friend to others. When hearing this story being read aloud by their teacher, students are sure to feel like they are part of a special family.
And currently, during such an unprecedented time when many teachers and students are not physically IN the classroom due to COVID-19 school closures, it's more important than it's ever been to give kids the message that their class is a family. Even at a distance, they still stick together.
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This Is My Home, This Is My School
Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Jonathan Bean takes the autobiographically inspired family he introduced in Building Our House through the special rhythms and routines of a homeschooling day in This is My Home, This is My School.
For young Jonathan and his sisters, Mom is the teacher and a whole lot more, and Dad is the best substitute any kid could want. From math, science, and field trips to recess, show-and-tell, and art, a school day with this intrepid, inventive family will seem both completely familiar and totally unique.
Includes a selection of family snapshots and a note from the author. -
If Winter Comes, Tell It I'm Not Here
Despite dire predictions about winter, a child is smitten by the season's charms in this ode to living in the moment.
Nothing is better than summer, with its joys of swimming every day and eating ice cream. One little boy's older sister tells him he'd better make the most of it, because summer is going to end soon. When winter comes, she assures him, it will be cold and dark, and the icy rain will turn to snow. They'll be stuck on the sofa for days and won't even dream of eating ice cream. . . . Simona Ciraolo's expressive illustrations belie the bleak forecast with images of glowing autumn leaves, cozy couch snuggles, wintry play, and sweet desserts. A celebration of the changing of the seasons, this inviting tale shows how much fun can be found around every sunny--or snowy--corner. -
A Big Bed for Little Snow
A companion to the Caldecott Honor book A Big Mooncake for Little Star!
A heartwarming and tender picture book introducing readers to their first snow, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace Lin.
When it was quiet, Little Snow grinned and then jumped, jumped, jumped!
Little Snow loves the new big, soft bed Mommy made him for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping! What happens when he can't resist jump, jump, jumping on his new fluffy, bouncy bed?
Bestselling and award-winning author Grace Lin artfully introduces young readers to their first snow through striking illustrations and heartwarming moments. -
Saturday
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together.
A Perfect Time for a StoryWalk®
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Read a children's book as you stroll down a path or trail. The whole family can get fresh air, a little exercise, and read an interactive story together. Promoting movement literacy and outdoor exploration in the Winchester community, StoryWalks® allow for families to build literacy skills and further sensory engagement.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont in 2007 with a grant for $250 and a brilliant idea. Since then, StoryWalks® have been installed in 50 states and 13 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and South Korea.
In our community, we have five StoryWalk® locations where stories change every three months.
- The first location at The Handley Library allows you to walk around the small, paved Mike Foreman Rotary Reading Garden, while enjoying various seating with room for strollers and wheelchairs. Sponsored by Winchester Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
- The second location at The Bowman Library. It is set along the Bowman Lake Trail, which is a path designed for pedestrians that is 6 feet wide. The trail is a loop that starts and ends at the library and borders a local community. There are often ducks and other wildlife found on the trail that is ½ mile in length and good for strollers and wheelchairs. Sponsored by Frederick County Parks and Recreation.
- The third location at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum on Cork Street in Winchester can enjoy a StoryWalk® on the open-air 4th floor, as well as get an amazing bird’s eye view of downtown Winchester. This is the only location where the entrance to the StoryWalk® requires admission.
- LOCATION CURRENTLY UNDER REPAIR. The fourth location at Rose Hill Park on Jones Road in Winchester is set along part of a 1.2-mile interpretive hiking trail. There are also bathrooms, a picnic shelter, and a small playground for public use, not to mention ample parking. Sponsored by Frederick County Parks and Recreation and Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.
- The fifth location at Blandy Experimental Farm follows a walking route at the Native Plant Trail meadow. The new StoryWalk® route starts where the Native Plant Trail meadow meets the woodland. Look for a marquee sign, then follow the gravel path to the right towards a stacked stone wall. You'll wind through a warm season grass meadow, cross a wetland boardwalk, and pass under a grove of mysterious trees as the path leads on towards the Hewlett Lewis Overlook Pavilion. The route is ~0.3 miles long and follows the gravel Native Plant Trail across gently rolling terrain. Once you've finished the book, continue on to complete the 0.6 mile Native Plant Trail Loop or retrace your steps and read the book in reverse!
Each location is a slightly different experience, and you can make a day out of visiting a StoryWalk® at any of our locations by bringing a picnic lunch, meeting up with friends, and visiting other area attractions at the same time. Enjoy the educational prompts paired with our stories that encourage developmental skill-building and family engagement, too. More locations will be coming soon!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Current Story
Miguel's Community Garden by JaNay Brown-Wood
Miguel is having a party and he needs the sunflowers from his garden to share with his friends. Can you help him find them? After your Story Walk visit, come to the Bowman Library Children’s Room and pick up an activity kit and grow your own sunflowers.
