by Brianne Anderson

I cannot tell you how many times my children have run upstairs and asked me to zip/snap/buckle them into some kind of dress-up outfit. They describe to me amazing stories about the adventures the three of them are taking, all while never leaving the basement. Children’s imaginations are incredible and seeing how the kids cooperate (and many times NOT cooperate) together is not only amazing to see, but it actually builds their cognitive and social development.

Creative play time is so important because it gives kids the chance to direct their own time and thoughts into any direction they choose. They ask questions of themselves and test the answers. They develop social skills while interacting with the other kids playing at the same time. The hard part for many parents is building time into our busy schedules for our kids to have free-play time. The Library can help!

Once a year, the Library and other agencies around town who serve young children, get together to provide kids ages 0-5 the greatest play event ever. Step into Storybooks has been an annual community event since 2008 and this year’s event will be held at North Grand Mall on Saturday, May 6, from 10am – 1pm.

Each station at Step Into Storybooks is inspired by a children’s book and the activities focus on making a connection to early literacy while encouraging kids to be creative and play. AWESOME PART: every child who attends the event gets to pick out a FREE, new book to keep thanks to Raising Readers of Story County and our other sponsors.

All the featured books and activities demonstrate how every book can be turned into a creative play experience. For example, the book, “Crocodile Hungry” by Eija Sumner inspired one organization to create a big cardboard crocodile and kids will practice “feeding” it objects that rhyme. The station featuring “Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What is Texture?” by Jane Brocket will have sensory bins available where kids can interact with a variety of textures while digging and playing.

 As a working mom, the free time I have with my kids is precious and I am constantly trying to find entertaining and educational things to do with them that are fun and cheap. Step Into Storybooks has always been something to look forward to for a fun, creative experience. Come join us this year on May 6^th!