Put on your pyjamas and bring your favourite stuffed animal to a storytelling party at the ACT next month.
Saskatchewan storyteller Kevin MacKenzie will tickle your funny bone at a free public event hosted by the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie Community Literacy Committee, and arts council to promote literacy.
“Literacy is more than just reading, writing and arithmetic,” says Jessie Hill, committee co-chair.
“It also includes social and personal communication and the arts, so storytelling fits in perfectly with literacy.”
MacKenzie, who refers to himself as ‘the grandfather of silliness,’ gives active and interactive performances with lots of opportunity for kids to jump around.
“We are so lucky to have Kevin here,” said Lynn Malbeuf, with Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services. “It will be fun for the whole family as Kevin is a very entertaining performer.”
MacKenzie is a self-described big kid who has travelled to seven countries telling stories to children of all ages.
His DVD Fingersplay! was given a place on the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s “Our Choice” list. He used to teach preschool in Vancouver, but currently live with gophers in Saskatchewan.
The storytelling event kicks off a month-long literacy event.
Week 2 will feature a workshop on remembering and recording your family history, and week three will explore financial skills.
The final event, on Jan. 27, brings everyone together for a carnival celebration at the library.
• Kevin MacKenzie will be reading in the lobby at the ACT, 11944 Haney Place in Maple Ridge at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan.4. For more information, visit www.communityliteracy.ca.
