Have you ever heard of a watermelon cave? What about a cantaloupe cave?
Preschoolers who attended Tuesday morning story time at Missouri River Regional Library (MRRL) would be able to tell you about these fictional caves appearing in author-illustrator Conor McGlauflin's "Sock on the Loose."
Story time leader Eric Lyon read this sock-filled story about the places our lost socks adventure to -- including watermelon and cantaloupe caves -- along with four other stories for this Tuesday's iteration of the library's weekly story time events for preschoolers. The event saw almost 20 kids and parents fill the chairs and foam puzzle piece floor pads in the second floor art gallery to hear Lyon read books under the theme "new things for the new year."
"These story times have been going on longer than I've been here at the library," said Lyon, who's worked at the library for 19 years. "They're a crucial part of what libraries do, engaging young kids especially with reading and stories."
Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, publishers loosened copyright crackdowns so MRRL and other libraries across the country could continue story times with recordings. As pandemic restrictions waned, they've been able to hold them in person again.
Before starting the first book, Bob Shea's "New Socks," Lyon turned up the music and led the growing gaggle of preschoolers in a dance. They twirled in circles, waved their hands in the air, jumped up and down and whispered joyfully when their friends finally arrived.
When Lyons called out the next move, a big stomp, preschooler and enthusiastic participant Flint Crabwater stomped his foot on a teal puzzle piece. The LEDs in his sneakers flashed colorful lights, eliciting oops and ahhs from his cohorts.
"We're here for some human interaction," said Brittany Crabtree, Flint's mother. The Crabtrees moved to Jefferson City three weeks ago from Topeka, Kansas. They're still unpacking and finding childcare, but she said they've found the library to be a great place to meet other people and help Flint get some social interaction with other children. This was their second time attending a story time.
Flint had brought in some other books to show potential new friends, including books about volcanoes and prehistoric animals.
Before the story time started, Lyon discussed the scariness of the smilodon with Flint.
"You're not even scared?" Lyon asked, gesturing apprehensively toward the large rendering of the saber-toothed mammal.
"It's just a book," Flint reminded Lyon.
As Lyon read "New Socks," his animated delivery engaged participants. He added hilarious sound effects and altered his inflection, pitch and accent to give each character their own voice. Some participants sat alert before Lyons and others rolled around toy cars or played with other trinkets.
"The key for us is keeping them interested," Lyon said. "They're little sponges, so if you can make learning time fun, they won't even realize how much they're learning."
"That was so silly," Flint said with a laugh as Lyon finished reading the final story, Ryan Higgins' "Bruce's Big Move."
But story time wasn't over yet. Lyons set up the projector and played a black and white animated video called "Kitten's First Full Moon," about a kitten who mistakes a full moon for a bowl of milk.
The library hosts preschool story times on Tuesdays and family story times on Wednesdays. The main difference between the two is that Wednesdays include craft time.
At 10:30 a.m. today, they'll be making New Year's hats.
Claudia Levens/News Tribune
Story time leader Eric Lyon reads “Sock on the Loose” to preschoolers during Tuesday morning story time at Missouri River Regional Library.
Claudia Levens/News Tribune
Story time leader Eric Lyon reads “Sock on the Loose” to preschoolers during Tuesday morning story time at Missouri River Regional Library.
Claudia Levens/News Tribune
Story time leader Eric Lyon leads preschoolers in a dance before the Tuesday morning story time at Missouri River Regional Library.