With reading at the core of education, a local bookstore is hosting a 'free' Western New York Children's Book Expo in Buffalo Saturday, November 14th. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley says it will take place at Kleinhans Music Hall in an effort to encourage city families to attend.
There is a charming bookstore tucked inside an 1840's building on Main Street in Clarence. Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstorewill be hosting of the book expo. Co-owners and volunteers were busy this week preparing for their big event.
A mother-daughter team own the store. Kim Krug and her mother, Kathleen Skoog tell WBFO News the mission is to bring children's books to 'life'.
"It incorporates classes and programs and birthday parties, so that children not only get a chance to books, but they learn through the books we have in our store," said Krug.
"I think that there's a great, warm feeling about introducing a child to a book and seeing the expression on their face when you can really bring that book to life," said Skoog.
As reading provides a foundation to a child's learning, Skoog said the book shop is working closely with more than 20-area school districts.
"The child meets the author and maybe it's a reluctant reader, and they have the opportunity to have the one-on-one with the author, that could maybe really encourage that child to take the next step and to really pick up that book and want to read it," noted Skoog.
The book shop secured more than 30-authors to visit the region this week and will be appearing at this Saturday's event.
Monkey See, Monkey Do is beginning to carve out a relationship with the Buffalo Public School District. Author Dr. Tererai Trent of California will be talking about her book with with Buffalo school students at Community School Number 53 and Our Lady of Black Rock Academy Thursday.
Trent authoredThe Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can? Trent said she grew up in poverty, but realized her education dreams.
"An amazing story. It's about her actually personal story of growing up in Zimbabwe," Krug explained.
Bookstore owners Krug and Skoog, along many event sponsors wanted to ensure the expo is free and accessible for all families that is why they selected Kleinhan's as a central city location.
"We wanted the access for children in the Buffalo city schools to be greatest," noted Krug.
The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will focus on children ages three through 12. Authors will hold break-out sessions and book signings.
There will be story readings and a chance for children to draw their favorite book characters. "It's so much fun to come up with a painting and project that the children can accomplish," said Linda Dugan, Artist working with Monkey See, Monkey Do.
"They go home and there's the character that they love to hear about on their walls. It ends up a credible picture and they're very proud of it. The parents are usually amazed," noted Dugan.
"This year our theme was all about hope and inspiration, and dreaming big dreams, and that's what really Kim and I are all about," Skoog said.