This summer, I had the joy of joining an unforgettable event at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. As part of the “Turning Pages, Changing Lives” story time celebration, I stepped on stage to connect with children and families. Together, we brought my mission of Talk, Play, and Read to life through interactive learning.
Bringing Stories and Activities to Life
Instead of simply reading aloud, I invited children to participate in fun, hands-on activities. These games encouraged them to listen, think, and communicate.
- Searching for Shapes – The kids became Shape Explorers. They listened carefully to my clues about shapes, thought about what they might see in a classroom, and then called out their answers. Their excitement showed how much fun learning can be!
- Describe It! – The children turned into Describing Detectives. They practiced using rich words to talk about everyday objects. This playful game built vocabulary, curiosity, and confidence.
- The Wheels on the Bus – Everyone sang, moved, and laughed together with this classic children’s song. It created a joyful, shared moment for both kids and families.
At the start of my presentation, I also introduced Ruby and Louie, my playful plush characters. Ruby and Louie cheered on our Shape Explorers and Describing Detectives, adding extra excitement to the activities.
Giving Back: Donating to Way to Grow
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was donating 20 books to Way to Grow, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. Their work empowers families and supports early childhood education. Knowing my books will reach children who need them most fills me with gratitude.
A Day of Connection
As I looked out at the children’s bright faces, I was reminded of the power of interactive learning. Books and characters like Ruby and Louie are only the beginning. It’s the conversations, songs, and shared games that help children build language, literacy, and confidence.
Looking Ahead
The Mall of America event was more than a book signing. It was a chance to live out my mission: helping families Talk, Play, and Read together. Ruby, Louie, and I are just at the beginning of this journey. I cannot wait to continue creating joyful learning moments for children everywhere.
Thank you to everyone who joined me at the Mall of America and to all who support literacy at home. Together, we are turning pages and changing lives one clue, one song, and one story at a time.
Visit TalkPlayAndRead.com to explore my resources and books!
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