What’s your favorite zoo animal? For me and my kids, we love visiting the reptiles. Seeing their prehistoric features feels like a trip back in time! Whatever your favorite, the Aurora Public Library District welcomes you and your family to a zoo-themed storytime event Tuesday, April 28. Our special guest will be local author Jo Fredell Higgins, who will share her newest picture book, inviting children on an exciting journey filled with animals, imagination, and interactive fun!
Jo’s featured title, A Zoo Menagerie: A Visit to the Zoo, was inspired by real-life zoo visits and a deep love of animals (some of her favorites are birds, tigers, and pandas). “I took the photographs for the book at various zoos including the Phillips Park Zoo, Madison’s Vilas Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo,” she said. The result is a visually rich book for children that highlights animals from local zoos they may recognize. “I hope the children who attend love animals and enjoy this story.”
But to make storytime fun and engaging, Jo knows it takes more than a good story. She has appeared at the library with numerous stories throughout the years and knows how to keep children engaged. “During a previous program, Jo had the kids jump into the story by acting parts out,” remembered senior children’s manager, Monica. “The whole room just lit up—everyone was laughing, participating, and really into it. It turned into this fun, interactive experience that went beyond sitting and listening.”
In addition to the zoo-themed fun, offering a program with a local author brings added value to the community. “Working with local authors is a great way to build stronger community connections and make programs feel more personal,” Monica explained. “Their stories often reflect the real experiences of the people who live here, which makes them especially meaningful. It also gives customers a chance to meet the person behind the work, ask questions, and maybe even feel inspired by someone from their own community.” All that community connection comes together for us in a storytime that’s as fun as it is meaningful.
Whether your family loves reptiles, birds like Jo, or otters (Monica’s favorite), this storytime is sure to bring joy to a young animal lover in your life. ‘A Book Reading with Jo’ is Tuesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at the Santori Library. Suggested ages are four to nine years old with a caregiver. For more information, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/15827928 or give us a call at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.