StoryWalks®

A StoryWalk® is a fun, educational activity that promotes literacy, learning and outdoor play.  Individual pages of a storybook are mounted on trees in a circuit.  Families and educators of young children follow the narrative by visiting each tree in sequence.  It is a delightful journey filled with surprises from beginning to end.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.  Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

McLean Neighbourhood Park StoryWalk Circuit

Launched in May 2022, there is now a permanent StoryWalk® circuit at McLean Neighbourhood Park, 22500 McLean Ave.

Community members can visit the StoryWalk® any time the park is open; simply start at the first sign post, located at the playground, and follow the story clockwise along the trail.

The current story featured in the circuit is Watch it Grow: Backyard Lifecycles by Barbara Reid. Reid’s one-of-a-kind art brings nature to life. Watch a tadpole hatch from an egg, a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, an acorn become a mighty oak, and a glorious sunflower grow from a tiny seed!

Featured stories will be changed seasonally to keep the StoryWalk® experience fresh. The selected picture books feature a diverse range of stories and illustration styles that are well suited to anyone from preschool age and up.

This installation was made possible through a collaboration between Richmond Public Library and the City of Richmond, as well as thanks to the generous support of Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise and Decoda Literacy Solutions.

StoryWalk® Kits at Richmond Public Library

StoryWalk® kits at RPL were created with funds generously donated by the Friends of the Richmond Public Library, Richmond Fitness & Wellness and Decoda Literacy Solutions. You can borrow a StoryWalk® kit from the Richmond Public Library. We have 20 kits to choose from: find them HERE.

What’s in a StoryWalk® kit?

A laminated version of a book, an Information Guide and a Resource Guide.

Where can I set up my StoryWalk® kit?

Outdoor venues can include any green space, such as a copse of trees, along the dyke, parks, trails and community greenways.  Indoor venues can include long hallways or windows.

What are some tips for leading a StoryWalk®?

• Assemble your group and explain how a StoryWalk® works.  Talk about safety issues and the importance of staying together as a group.
• Talk about the pictures rather than simply reading the words.  Build anticipation and explain unusual words or concepts.
• Encourage movement from one page to the next (possibly related to the story).
• Bring props and/or collect items that relate to the story (e.g.  a rock, a twig).
• Enjoy nature, take your time, and make the experience last for at least 20 minutes.