Woofs and Wonders: Under the engaging concept of Books and Brushes
Stories and Beyond had the pleasure of conducting the Books and Brushes Workshop featuring the “Woofs and Wonder” chapter at Munroe Elementary School making reading an immersive experience for the students. The school organized a day-long adventure featuring various presenters, speakers, and professionals engaging in different activities.
Books and Brushes is one-of-a-kind program where reading meets art- stories come alive through art and craft and other fun activities. Each session is an adventure that stretches creative thinking and brings stories to life in ways that are both educational and immensely enjoyable. Read more about Books and Brushes here.
A Pop-Up Exhibition to Remember
The day began with an engaging pop-up exhibition, dedicated entirely to our furry friends. This specially curated collection featured an array of books that explored every facet of our canine friends. From heartwarming storybooks to informative texts about the evolution of dogs from wolves, the exhibition was a treasure trove for young minds eager to learn more about man’s best friend.
Books on how a puppy grows and becomes a cherished member of the family captivated the students’ attention, while books on various dog breeds and their unique characteristics provided a deeper understanding of the diversity within the canine kingdom. The pop-up exhibition served as a visual and educational feast, sparking curiosity and excitement among the students.
Books on various dog breeds and their unique characteristics sparked curiosity, as students excitedly discussed which breed they would love to have as a pet. From playful Labradors to intelligent Border Collies, each book opened a window into the wonderful world of dogs.
Read Aloud Session: Be More Dog and Walter the Farting Dog
The program kicked off with a read-aloud session, where the children gathered around to hear two hilarious and heartwarming dog-themed books: Be More Dog and Walter the Farting Dog. The kids were instantly captivated by the playful illustrations and engaging narratives.
Be More Dog by Caroline Crowe, illustrated by Carlos Vélez, is a heartwarming and humorous picture book that encourages readers to embrace life with the enthusiasm and curiosity of a dog. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the book delivers a powerful message about living life to the fullest, finding joy in the little things, and adopting a “can-do” attitude, being open-minded, playful, and, well, more dog!
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray, illustrated by Audrey Colman, is a hilarious and heartwarming tale about Walter, a lovable but gassy dog whose uncontrollable flatulence causes chaos in his household. Despite his peculiar problem, Walter’s family adores him—until his constant farting becomes too much to handle. Just as they consider finding him a new home, Walter’s unique talent saves the day when burglars break into the house. His powerful farts scare off the intruders, proving that even the quirkiest traits can be heroic. This laugh-out-loud story combines humor, love, and acceptance, showing that everyone (and every dog) has something special to offer.
Follow up activity- Book-inspired goodies
The follow-up fun activity took engagement to a whole new level! Inspired by the books they explored, the children got crafty, creating bookish goodies for their pets. Handmade bookmarks featuring paw prints, personalized story-inspired bone, and a collar for them to take home made learning even more meaningful, as children connected their reading experiences with real-life creativity and love for their pets.
Events like these highlight Munroes Elementary’s commitment to “reading by doing,” a philosophy that ensures children don’t just read words but experience them. By integrating books with interactive activities, the school nurtures a love for reading while enhancing comprehension and engagement. This approach helps improve reading standards by making books come alive in fun and memorable ways.
Stories and Beyond is honored to be part of this journey, working alongside a school that fosters curiosity and encourages children to embrace the joy of books. Seeing young readers explore the wonders of storytelling and creativity through Woofs and Wonder was a testament to the power of experiential learning. As we continue to inspire young minds, we look forward to many more literary adventures that turn reading into a magical experience for all!
Stay tuned for more book-filled adventures, and until then—keep reading, imagining, and creating!
