In 2022, Lakeside Chautauqua dedicated a Storybook Trail in Cherry Park to the children of Lakeside and in memory of Joan Price. Price was instrumental in spreading joy about reading to Lakesiders of all ages.
The Storybook Trail welcomes children and families to read, learn, grow and enjoy the outdoors together. To bring the books to life, there are 20 reading stations spaced out across Cherry Park, each containing a page from a children’s book. The path starts by the tire swing near the playground and weaves clockwise for a whimsical adventure.
The stories change regularly, so new adventures await, and the fun never ends. Learn more about the featured books and join us in Cherry Park during your next visit!
SEPTEMBER 2023
Ten Little Squirrels by Bill Martin, Jr. & Michael Samson
Practicing classic rhythm and rhyme while teaching children to count has never been more fun. This book follows 10 squirrels as they determine what to do when a dog approaches their tree. Readers can enjoy the charming illustrations, count each of the colorful squirrels and go nuts rereading to their hearts’ content.
OCTOBER
Strega Nona by Tomi dePaola
Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch,” is the source for potions, cures, magic and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony, who is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden. One day, when Strega Nona goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.
NOVEMBER
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Every day, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same or speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different from each other. But inside, they are alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations and remind children to accept differences, to recognize similarities and, most importantly, to rejoice in both.
DECEMBER
The Tree That’s Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer
This heartfelt holiday story is about a lonely little Christmas tree that learns what it means to be loved, with a powerful message to children that they are perfect just as they are. A small, crookled fir tree is left all alone after the others near it in the forest are chosen by families for Christmas. But when the forest animals gather around the lonely tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, it finds the warmth of the holidays in the heart of a cold, snowy forest. This is a charming holiday picture book with a timely message about celebrating our differences and sticking by our friends.
JANUARY-MARCH 2024
Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer
Snow is coming, and it’s time to get ready. The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. What should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise. It’s not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.
