Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Kids Love Books, Art and Writing!





At the Blue Bunny, we've always tried hard to find ways for kids of all ages to express their love of books, art, and writing. We've co-sponsored plenty of kids art contests with the Dedham Square Circle, Dedham Public Schools, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We've had our annual poetry contests and sharing nights in April to celebrate National Poetry Month. We've sponsored writing contests in conjunction with Peter's books "Tess's Tree" and just recently, "Guyku." And more recently, we've added more for kids to celebrate all things creative!

This year The Blue Bunny began gathering 7-10 year olds for a monthly book group, which has been well received and so much fun. Focusing on positive, fun choices for these early readers, and then meeting on a Friday afternoon for sharing and a book-themed project, has been a hit. Selections so far have included Judy Moody by Megan Macdonald and Peter Reynolds (complete with "me collage" projects) , Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar (crazy schools out of marshmallows and toothpicks!), Dessert First by Hallie Durand (cupcake decorating!) and Geronimo Stilton (with a guest lesson in cartooning by local cartooning icon Brendan Joyce). This month's pick is "The Get Rich Quick Club" by Dan Gutman, and the group will be meeting on Friday November 12th at 4 p.m. Let us know if you have a child who would like to attend.

Another first-time success was our end-of-summer creativity party in August. Children and adults were invited to come decorate their own journals, and then asked to share something creative they did over the summer. We had fabulous artwork, poetry, stories, and even an original created language! We hope to continue to grow this program every year.

And finally, a proud shout-out to The Blue Bunny's very own kids' creativity magazine, HUTCH. Published twice a year, our volunteer staff is now working on issue number 6! What an accomplishment. This great, professionally printed magazine includes art, poetry, stories, comics, book reviews and interviews by kids of all ages, supplemented with artwork and creative advice from our own author-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, and guest author-illustrators each issue. We've been stuffing so much good stuff in each issue, featuring the work of approximately 30-40 children in each one. And to top it off, every issue launches with a celebration party at The Blue Bunny for contributors and their families. The magazine, although work-intensive, has been one of our store's crowning jewels in our continuing support for creative expression.