The Woodlands Children’s Museum will host its annual Children’s Book Week celebration during May 5-8, 2021 with a variety of events and activities to foster a joy of reading. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is administered by the Children’s Book Council and is the longest running national literacy initiative in the United States. Each year, events are held nationwide at schools, museums, bookstores, and libraries in the belief that children’s books and literacy are life-changing.
“Children who are introduced to reading at an early age tend to read earlier and excel in school,” stated Angela Colton, Executive Director of The Woodlands Children’s Museum. “Reading, rhyming, singing, and talking are an important part of language development and we are excited to offer a week of programming that encourages families to connect and share the magic of books.”
On Wednesday, May 5th, families can enjoy a special Cinco de Mayo storytime of Cinco De Mouse-O! by Judy Cox at 10:45a.m. At 11:30a.m., children can participate in picture book bingo featuring classic picture book characters. A display will also be available showcasing Mexican culture, clothing, books, and artifacts.
On Thursday, May 6th, the museum welcomes a “pawtastic” guest with a special visit from author Susan Langlois and the real-life dog Dolly featured in Dolly Does Her Job. Join them at 11:00a.m. as Susan reads about Dolly’s amazing tale, followed by an opportunity to meet the author and purchase one of her books. Museum guests will also be able to visit with staff from The Montgomery County Memorial Library System from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. and get a free bag filled with library information.
On Friday, May 7th, children will be able to meet and take pictures with the beloved book character Llama LLama at 10:30a.m. and 11:30a.m. At 11:00a.m., enjoy Miss Jan’s reading of Llama Llama Loves to Read by Anna Dewdney, followed by Picture Book Boogie Bash at 11:45a.m. when children can participate in creative movement activities and songs based on favorite children’s books.
On Saturday, May 8th, Children’s Book Week concludes with a Llama Llama Pajama Party. Guests are invited to wear their favorite pajamas to the museum and delight in a special Storybook Theatre presentation of Llama Llama Red Pajama, by Anna Dewdney at 10:30a.m. followed by a meet and greet with Llama Llama at 10:45a.m. and 12:00p.m. Also, on Saturday at 11:30a.m., we welcome a special author visit with our Education Coordinator, Carmen Ortega, and her 9-year-old son Landon Medina, who will read their newly published book, Operation Twins—The Roaring Giant. Meet Carmen and Landon afterwards for a chance to purchase their book and have it signed by the authors.
A Literacy Advocate with Usborne Books & More will also visit the museum on Friday, May 7th and Saturday, May 8th. Books will be available for purchase and can also be ordered on-site. For over 30 years, Usborne Books & More provides over 1,800 engaging books on a wide variety of topics including activity books, picture books, science fiction, history, multicultural stories, early readers, and award-winning fiction series for older readers.
During Children’s Book Week, museum guests will also have a chance to win one of three picture book gift baskets to celebrate the joy of reading.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum is located in the Panther Creek Village Center at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381. Tickets and additional information can be found at www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook @TheWoodlandsChildrensMuseum and on Instagram and Twitter @TheWoodlandsCM. Daily admission to the museum is $7 per person age 1 and older, or free with an annual membership.
