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Children, parents invited to walk, read

3 min read

The California Recreation Authority invites children of all ages and their parents to participate in the first-ever Storywalk from 6 to 8?p.m. July 22 at Rotary Park.

At a Storywalk, parents and children stroll and read a book that is attached, page by page, on a series of holders that create the opportunity for walking from post to post reading the story along the way.

?The project combines the benefits of physical activity, time outdoors in nature, literacy and family time.

The first California Storywalk will take place at Rotary Park. The entire “walking course” will be less than a half a mile, so toddlers and pre-schoolers can enjoy the book and the walk.

The starting point is the first page of the book, and the rest follow in order. The first book will be “Gossie” by Olivier Dunrea, the story of a little yellow gosling who loves her bright red boots.

Kirkus Review wrote the following about the book: “A sweet and silly tale about an eccentric gosling and her newfound friend.

In “Gossie,” Dunrea describes the fashionable fowl’s favorite pastime: strutting about in her snazzy red rainboots. Yet, when her boots mysteriously disappear one day, Gossie sets out to locate them — only to discover a kindred spirit in fellow gosling Gertie. Despite her adoration of her footwear, Gossie amends her perception of high fashion, determining that it’s more fun to share accessories with a friend than to be perfectly attired but all alone.”

Good weather or rain, the event will take place unless there are dangerous conditions, such as lightening.

Because red boots play an important role in the book, if it rains, or even if it doesn’t, everyone is encouraged to wear his or her boots to walk around Rotary Park.

The event will not use the walking trail, so regular users will not be inconvenienced.

The recreation authority plans a series of Storywalks, and because of the nature of the events, they can and will be held summer, fall, winter and spring.

They will be held at various locations around the Borough and at different times of day to accommodate parents’ hectic schedules.

There will be feedback forms at Rotary Park, and the recreation authority would appreciate responses.

Anyone interested in more information or in sponsoring a book for a future Storywalk should contact Beth Baxter, californiafocus@verizon.net, 724-938-7204.

The Storywalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

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