In 2022, Lakeside Chautauqua dedicated a Storybook Trail in Cherry Park to the children of Lakeside and in memory of Joan Price, who 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!
April 1-31
Ten Little Squirrels by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Samson
No need to get squirrely―practicing classic rhythm and rhyme while teaching children to count has never been more fun. Ten Little Squirrels by New York Times bestselling authors Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Samson follows the “tail” of these furry friends 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.
May 1-June 12
Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard
Bird wakes up feeling grumpy. Too grumpy to eat or play — too grumpy even to fly. “Looks like I’m walking today,” says Bird. He walks past Sheep, who offers to keep him company. He walks past Rabbit, who also could use a walk. Raccoon, Beaver and Fox join in, too. Before he knows it, a little exercise and companionship help Bird shake his bad mood.
June 13-19
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Every day all over Australia, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same or speak the same language, but inside, they are just like you. This story weaves its way across cultures and generations, celebrating the bond that unites us all.
June 20-16
Over in the Forest by Marianne Berkes
Follow the tracks of 10 woodland animals but … uh-oh … watch out for the skunk. Children learn the ways of forest animals to the rhythm of “Over in the Meadow” as they leap like a squirrel, dunk like a raccoon and pounce like a fox. They will also count the babies and search for ten hidden forest animals. Cut paper illustrations add to the fun in this delightful introduction to a woodland habitat.
June 27-July 2
I Went Walking by Sue Williams
This simple, funny read-aloud follows a boy’s exciting stroll through the countryside. The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow and so on. Before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie! Big type, repetition, lively art, and the visual guessing game created by introducing each animal only partially at first, make this board book the perfect addition to every young reader’s library.
July 3–10
Night Walk by Marie Dorléans
Mama opened our bedroom door. “Wake up, you two,” she whispered. “Let’s go, so we get there on time.” Excited, the sleepy family step outside into a beautiful summer night. The world is quiet and shadowy, filled with fresh smells and amazing sights. Is this what they miss when they’re asleep? Together, they walk out of their sleeping village. What will they find in the dark landscape? This beautiful and evocative book movingly recalls family trips and the excitement of unknown adventure, while celebrating the awe-inspiring joy of the natural world.
July 11-17
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
This heartwarming story of how a little tiger named Leo bloomed is told by bestselling author Robert Kraus and is accompanied by the wonderfully bold illustrations of Jose Aruego. Leo isn’t reading, or writing, or drawing, or even speaking, and his father is concerned. But Leo’s mother isn’t. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he’s ready.
July 18-24
Pet Show by Ezra Jack Keats
Archie wants to enter his cat into the neighborhood pet show, but first, he has to find him. Archie looks everywhere, even after all the other kids give up. Is there a reason the cat doesn’t want to be found? There’s no time to figure it out and ingenious Archie hatches a new plan to enter the contest — with the most surprising pet of all.
July 25-31
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen
A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime. How do dinosaurs say good night? Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime.
Aug. 1-7
When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman
When stormy skies threaten, people stock up on supplies, bring in their outside toys and check the news for updates. If the power goes out during the storm, they can play games and tell stories by candlelight. But what do animals do? They watch and listen, look for a cozy den or some other sheltered spot and hunker down to wait. After the storm, while the people are cleaning up their yards, making repairs and checking on the neighbors, the animals emerge from their hiding places and shake off the rain. Everyone is happy to be out in the sunshine again, grateful for better weather and the company of friends.
Aug. 8-14
People Are Wild by Margaux Meganck
People Are Wild turns the tables and asks what animals think of us. We may not always see eye to eye, but the more we understand each other, the better we’re able to live in harmony.
Aug. 15-31
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
The Napping House is a cumulative tale about a cozy bed, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog and a snoozing cat. One by one the characters snuggle up in a pile until a tiny unwelcome guest appears on the scene.
September
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
There are lots of beautiful fall leaves to find. Three friends have a big adventure hiking over a mountain and through a forest to collect leaves of all kinds and colors. What will they do with all their leaves at the end of the story? Jump and play in them, of course. With easy rhyming text and fun sound effects, children will delight in this rollicking autumn story.
October
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow and then her wand. Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. Is there room on the broom for so many friends? When disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?
November
The Worm Family Has Its Picture Taken By Jennifer Frank
Emma is excited for her worm family to have their portrait taken, but when she sees her other friends’ portraits, she gets discouraged. “We had the most beautiful smiles,” Ellie the Chipmunk squeals. Abigail the Cat meows, “I looked gorgeous with my big poufy hair.” The worm family doesn’t have teeth … how will they show their beautiful smiles? They don’t have hair either … how can it look big and poufy? Emma gathers wigs, giant fake teeth and colorful clothing for her parents and sisters. It’s only after taking off their costumes that the worm family is able to wriggle and squiggle and squeeze into a delightful pose that only a worm family can make. And Emma? She thinks it’s perfectly perfect.
December
Room For a Little One by Martha Waddell
In the stable next to an inn, Kind Ox is just settling in for the night when Old Dog comes into the stable. Kind Ox makes room for Old Dog, who in turn makes room for Stray Cat, who then makes room for Small Mouse — and each time, the larger animal says to the small, “There’s always room for a little one here.” Finally, Tired Donkey comes by, carrying Joseph and Mary, who asks “Where will my child be born?” Kind Ox replies, “There is always room for a little one here,” so Jesus is born in the stable with the animals all around Him.
January 2026 (Tentative)
All You Need for A Snowman by Alice Schertle
One small snowflake fluttering down — That’s all you need for a snowman. Or is it? In these pages, an exuberant crew is summoned to create a snowman of heroic proportions.
