We have little visitors again

     The little people are visiting again.  Yesterday I watched a group of about 20 children walk toward the Children's Library, and I decided to see what they would be doing...so I followed.
     They were very orderly, but excited, even if they were three-to-five year olds.  I mean, after all, that's what they're supposed to be...excited.  They came with three mothers and one dad.  (It was wonderful to see that dad in the group.)  Everyone was from Heritage Church.  They all filed into the Reading Garden and sat on the carpet, except for the moms and pop who sat in strategically placed chairs.
     Now, we have one of the best children's storytellers in the whole state and the minute she begins to quiet everyone down for her program, excitement just fills the air like static.
    Miss Norma has been the storyteller for a good number of years and her helper is the Library Mouse.  Of course, he attends all the children's programs and often has a special song sung about him.
     Today Miss Norma took the kids on a trip around the world.  Books were involved and as she raised each book, something special appeared.  For Scotland, it was the Loch Ness Monster (a small colorful toy), which caused the kids to squeal with delight.  For America, Miss Norma waved the American flag, and the kids all cheered.  For China, there was the panda bear, and the trip went on for at least three more books.
     After talking about each country and showing an appropriate toy or flag, Miss Norma encouarged everyone to stand while they marched in place, then turned around, and sat back down.  They sang a little tune as they marched (helps keep the figets away).
     When Miss Norma told about Mexico, she brought out a very small sombrero. "And who does this hat fit?" she asked the kids.  Everyone knew.  Everyone shouted, "LIBRARY MOUSE!"  And there he was!  And when Miss Norma put the sombrero on Library Mouse's head, the room was filled with laughter and shouts.
     Well, the story about Mexico and the sombrero was the lead-in to Miss Norma's story, "Manana Iguana" by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Ethan Long.  The story is about Iguana planning a party.  Her friends (the Rabbit, the Tortoise, and the Snake) all want to come, but will they help?  This is a version of "The Little Red Hen" with a glossary of Spanish words.
     Need I say more?  Can't you just see Miss Norma standing in front of the kids and acting out the parts (voices and all) of the iguana, the rabbit, the turtle, and the snake?  And the kids?  Well, they had the hardest time sitting on that carpet, when all they wanted to do was jump up and help Miss Norma with the story.
     Believe me, I love going to the Children's Library to listen to Miss Norma's stories.  But the best part is watching all the little people who come to visit.  Just fills my heart with delight!
     If you're an organization with little people, why not call the library and see how you can set up a storytime for your group.  It's easy.  And you'll have a wonderful time.  The phone number is 229-985-6540. 
     And remember...it's another free service of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.