Storybook characters come to life at Kiddie Academy events nationwide

DALLAS (KDAF) — More than 200 Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care franchise locations across the country will host Storytime LIVE! events for children this summer. The free community events will feature special storybook readings and literary character visits throughout July, August, and September.

“With these community events, we hope to encourage parents to make reading even more exciting at home, supporting the importance of early literacy,” said Joy Turner, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy. “The more exposure children have to reading, the better.”

Participating Academies will bring stories to life July 19-20 and 26-27, all weekends in August, and September 6-8 and 13-15, with read-alouds of favorite children’s books and special appearances by characters like “Clifford,” “Taco Dragon” and “Elephant and Piggie.” The events are designed to inspire a love of reading and learning for children from birth to 12 years old.

According to the 2023 Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report , the majority of parents agree that reading aloud is important and the majority of both parents and children agree that it is a special bonding time. 52% of children say they enjoy going to community events that involve reading. Storytime LIVE! builds on Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on the curiosity, critical thinking and creative expression skills fostered through reading exposure.

Each event will also feature several other entertaining activities and healthy snacks for the entire family. To locate and register for a Storytime LIVE! event, parents and caregivers can visit kiddieacademy.com/academies/event/storytime-live/ .

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