MACHIAS — This month, the StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library in Machias features “Bear Says Thanks” written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman.
In this timely tale, Bear makes plans to show his gratitude for his friends and family by hosting a big dinner. One by one, his friends arrive with platters of delicious food to share. However, Bear faces a challenge — his cupboards are completely bare. How will Bear contribute to the feast? Young readers and their families will delight in the book’s playful text and Chapman’s charming illustrations in this tale celebrating family and friendship.
StoryWalk® is a literacy-boosting project that places an illustrated children’s book, taken apart and displayed page by page, along an easily accessible community walking route. Healthy Acadia, Maine SNAP-Ed and Porter Memorial Library teamed up to launch a StoryWalk® on the library grounds in downtown Machias in October 2023.
The StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library features a different book each month, carefully selected to be woven with themes tied to the season. As visitors stroll along the outdoor path, they can read the story. At the end of their StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library, visitors will find a healthy recipe inspired by that month’s book selection that they can make at home.
The project was initiated by Healthy Acadia Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Shannon Cherry in partnership with Porter Memorial Library. In addition to offering healthy cooking and nutrition classes in schools and community settings, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators also support local food projects throughout the year. These PSE (Policy, Systems, and Environmental) Change Projects help to increase community access to healthy, fresh food.
Stop by the Porter Memorial Library throughout the year and enjoy the StoryWalk®.
The November book selection is generously sponsored by Debbie Huntley. Learn how you can support the StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library, by contacting Cherry at [email protected] or 207-255-3741.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ferguson.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered by the Office for Family Independence (OFI) at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and implemented statewide by the University of New England (UNE) through contracts with local community organizations. Maine SNAP-Ed educates families experiencing low income on low-cost healthy eating and active lifestyles. Contact [email protected] or 207-221-4560 for more information.
