hope for young readers and hot and bothered grownups
– a hopeful public schools project
– help illustrate a new trilingual Sparks story!
– English+Spanish+ASL performances this summer
As we struggle through another long hot stressful summer, Paige the Literacy Bus gives me hope.
So inspiring to visit teacher Tara Tallon-Stone and this wonderful Hillsborough County Public Schools project – a colorful bus engaging kids with stories, and inviting struggling readers to enjoy exploring words through play.
Paige the Literacy Bus was dreamed up by Tara and outfitted with a bright array of learning tools inviting you to touch, draw, play, look, listen and squeeze. Everything’s attached with care by the county schoolbus team so that tiny chairs and tables, books and frogs don’t bounce as Tara visits schools and community centers.
You can follow Paige the Literacy Bus on Instagram and enjoy this new Sparks story performed by the terrific team of Beth Gelman, Bob Devin Jones, Phyllis McEwen (Zora Neale Hurston performer!) and JL Rey, directed by David Warner.
Many thanks to the St Pete Public Library’s creative librarians!
Sparks is honored that the Library is sharing We’re Reading Everywhere! + ¡Estamos Leyendo Por Todas Partes! over the summer – a bilingual audio story celebrating reading, performed by the amazing Fanni Green and Dora Arreola, with many thanks to fabulous librarians Elizabeth, Karrie and Mandy! :)
The Library’s kindly inviting readers to share photos or drawings that help illustrate a new Sparks video. And I don’t discriminate by age, so grownups are welcome to join in!
Here’s how to share your artwork
So many thanks to Bay News 9, Fox 13 and WFLA’s Daytime for sharing this Sparks story celebrating community and helping kids cope with hurricane season, in English and in Spanish.
Upcoming English+Spanish+ASL Performances
We’re Reading Everywhere! – in English + Spanish + ASL
Tuesday, August 5 at 10:30 am at the West Community Library with actors Fanni Green, Jessica Moraton and ASL interpreter Carol Downing – and terrific visual artists from Creative Clay leading an inclusive drawing session until noon. Free.
Please Touch – in English + Spanish + ASL with guided movement
Sunday, August 10 from 9-noon, 2 performances and drawing
Sparks is delighted to be part of Great Explorations Children’s Museum’s monthly sensory-friendly time – with a new Sparks story celebrating this museum where you can touch everything, with actors Beth Gelman and Jan Neuberger, actor+dancer Fernando Chonqui and ASL interpreter Carol Downing.
Thank you for subscribing to the Sparks Creative Stories YouTube channel!
Please Share these free illustrated audiobooks everywhere they can be helpful. Sparks is growing, one kind friend at a time, and taking a moment to subscribe does make a difference.