Preschool StoryTime on Monday

Preschool children and their families are invited to a free Community StoryTime at 7 p.m. Monday at Newton Public Library, 720 N. Oak.

This StoryTime is part of “Kansas Reads to Preschoolers … About Fitness” project, which locally is co-sponsored by Newton Medical Center, Newton Public Library and Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners. Children will enjoy hearing this year’s book “Wiggle,” the puppet show “Bored Bill,” crafts, snacks, books and more will be given away.

This is the fifth annual “Kansas Reads to Preschoolers” statewide, preschool reading initiative sponsored by the State Library’s Kansas Center for the Book. Children throughout the state are encouraged to read with their families and caregivers the same book during the week of Nov. 15 through 21. “Wiggle,” written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Scott Menchin, was chosen to be featured this year. The story focuses on fitness.

A child develops language skills long before being able to speak and develops literacy skills long before being able to read. Early childhood experts have found children develop much of their capacity to learn in the first three years. Reading to babies, toddlers and preschoolers can have an incredible impact on their short and long-term reading capacity.

This year there is a second special “Kansas Reads to Preschoolers” event at Newton Public Library. Preschoolers and their families can join author Doreen Cronin as she reads her featured book, “Wiggle,” via videoconference at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the library’s Bessmer Meeting Room.

These events are free to preschoolers and their families.