Book Club for kids at Crawford Elementary School, Denver
Kids Book Club Brings Paper Dolls to Life at Crawford Elementary, Denver
At Crawford Elementary in Denver, our kids’ book club recently gathered for a literary adventure from the world of Julia Donaldson with The Paper Dolls. The event was filled with reading session, pop exhibition, activities and an unforgettable lesson about memory and imagination.
A Read-Aloud Session to Remember
Our book club meeting started with a lively read-aloud session. The children sat in a circle, eyes wide with anticipation as they listened to the rhythmic and lyrical storytelling of The Paper Dolls. The book follows a little girl who crafts a set of paper dolls—each with its own unique name and personality. Together, the dolls embark on wonderful adventures until a mischievous boy snips them apart. But as the story unfolds, we discover that even when things seem lost, they remain alive in our memories.
As we turned each page, the kids giggled at the playful names of the dolls—Ticky and Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses, and Joe with the bow. The sing-song repetition of their names delighted the young listeners and encouraged them to predict what would happen next. The children gasped when the paper dolls were cut apart but were reassured when they learned that the dolls still lived on in the little girl’s heart and mind, even as she grew up.
A Beautiful Message: Everything Stays Alive in Memory
One of the most touching aspects of The Paper Dolls is its underlying message about memory and the things we carry with us as we grow older. The story beautifully captures the essence of childhood imagination, showing that even when something is physically gone, it can still exist in our hearts.
We asked the children what memories they hold dear, and their responses ranged from remembering a beloved pet to recalling fun trips with their families. This discussion reinforced the book’s theme—that nothing is truly lost as long as we remember it.
Crafting Paper Dolls with Unique Personalities
Inspired by the book, the kids eagerly got to work creating their own paper dolls- as a part of reading by doing workshops promoted by Stories and Beyond. With scissors, markers, and an endless supply of glitter, the children brought their dolls to life with the same enthusiasm as the little girl in the story.
Each doll had a name and a personality, just like Ticky and Tacky. Some of the creative names included:
- Shingy the Blingy – covered in extra glitter for that special sparkle!
- Hurly the Curly – with beautiful black curls that bounced with every movement.
- Bobby the Jolly – always smiling, with a bright red bowtie.
- Zippy the Skippy – who loved to jump and dance!
As each child proudly presented their dolls, they shared fun backstories about their creations. Some dolls were best friends, others were superheroes, and a few even had magical powers. It was wonderful to see their imaginations take flight!
To wrap up the activity, we decided to create something special—a longchain of hand-holding paper dolls joining the dolls from all the grades together! With every child contributing their own set, we connected them one by one, forming a long, colorful chain that stretched across the hallway.
By the end of the session, we had created the longest chain of paper dolls in our book club that year! The children beamed with pride as they admired their collective creation, proving that when we come together, we can make something truly wonderful.
