July

Storytimes

We're continuing our second Saturday Storytime through June!  We'll have a storytime for children two and under from 10:30-11:00 on Saturday. Our regular themed Saturday storytimes for ages 3-5 will move to 11:30-12:00. 

On Tuesdays we'll have storytimes for all ages in Japanese, from 10:30-11. 

Saturday themed storytimes

July 4 - Hooray for the USA! Storytime. Whether you live here or are just visiting, DC is a great area to explore any time of year. Be sure to be here for stories that celebrate the history and fun of the Capital City.

July 11 - Something Fishy Storytime.  Get “hooked” on these stories about fish from the seas and the streams, including our personal favorite Hooray for Fish!

July 18 - A World Away Storytime. We’ll be reading all about exciting places that are around the far flung reaches of the globe or as close as your own back yard in this storytime. Remember, don’t leave town without some good books!

July 25 - Beatrix Potter Storytime. We will be celebrating the birthday of the author of Peter Rabbit by reading some of Potter’s classic tales.     

 JULY EVENTS

Download a printable calendar here!

July 9, 16, 23, 30 - More Pint-sized Playacting  
Our pint-sized playacting has been so successful that we're continuing its run through July - at a later and more convenient time.  We'll have four separate half-hour workshops on Thursdays from 4-4:30 p.m.  If you haven't yet joined us for these events, make June your month to take the stage!  Each workshop costs $3 per child.

July 12 - The Peepers Are Coming!

Join artist and teacher Sandy Pugh at 1 p.m. as she introduces her whimsical Peeper creatures by reading "Peeper in Your Pocket" and demonstrating how to make your own Peeper.

Sandy created the first Peeper creatures as unique baby gifts for friends, using paint and cut paper.  She continued to develop and share her adorable Peeper Pals within her circle of friends and family.  Peepers never fail to spark a smile, so it wasn't long before "We the Peepers" was born.

Dana Clerkin, Sandy's sister, brings her business background to the company's daily activities as Operations Director.  In keeping with the sisters' commitment to children's causes, Dana coordinates the company's important mission of donating a portion of "We The Peepers'" proceeds to programs that benefit children.

"We The Peepers Give Back" is a partnership program developed soon after Sandy created the very first Peeper.  Both sisters feel it is critical to give back to their community and help those children who need it most.  Currently, a portion of the sale of each Peepers product benefits the pediatric ophthalmology department at the Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children in Fairfax, VA.  This partnership will help Inova care for and protect the "peepers" of premature babies.

July 19, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Palettes

Kristin Matheis will be here to consult with parents about the best way to preserve their children's artwork.  

Each piece of your child's artwork has its own story.  You'll want to be sure to save your favorite pieces "for keeps," because otherwise, over time, those masterpieces may fade, tear or even disintegrate.  Why not showcase all of these treasures in a timeless (and space-saving) hardcover book?

Preschool Palettes will preserve your child's masterpieces in a one-of-a-kind keepsake book for sharing and showing off.

July 26, at 2 p.m., Where's Waldo

 Please plan to join us as we celebrate all things Waldo!  We'll have games, word searches, a Waldo look-alike contest and a storewide search for Waldo!  There will be prizes for the winners and fun for all!  Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m., for kids ages 6 and up.

 
...We've got pictures!  

There's always something happening at Hooray for Books! and we're always snapping pictures.  In May, we had a special evening with award-winning illustrator Jules Feiffer and his daughter Kate Feiffer, to celebrate the release of their new book "Which Puppy?" 

 Our store was filled with young voices when we hosted Readers Take the Stage, a great activity that's part of the Wright to Read program.  Wright to Read is funded by the Frank and Betty Wright Foundation and is administered by The Campagna Center.  The program has been giving the gift of literacy to students in the Alexandria City Public Schools for 29 years.  

Award-winning author Marfé Ferguson Delano  joined us for a book launch party for her latest work, Earth in the Hot Seat: Bulletins from a Warming World.  Her book clearly explains the phenomenon of and the science behind global warming. It uses real people and real-life examples to report from the front lines of the fight to protect our warming planet.  This visually stunning work, published by National Geographic Children's Books,  deserves a special place in your home...and we still have a few signed copies in the store. 

We also had a great time with author/illustrator Mark Teague.   Mark has created many memorable children's books, including the "How Do Dinosaurs..." series with author Jane Yolen.  We worked with Browne Academy and Maury Elementary School - each hosted a program at the school, and Mark showed excited students how he creates his art.  (If your school is interested in visits from authors and illustrators please call us!).  We have some signed copies of Mark's books in the store!

You can find more pictures from these events and other bookstore events (including Curious George's visit) and Kristin Levine's Book Launch Party  here.  If you'd like us to email a higher-quality photo to you, drop us a note!