Bring your kiddos to Fort Collins Nursery on July 27 for some summer-reading fun!

We’re excited to bring back our Storytime event as a three-part series. Three wonderful groups of local children’s book authors and illustrators will be on-site to read the fabulous stories they have created. We’ll gather on our outdoor patio, nestled along the banks of Dry Creek and the Cache la Poudre River and surrounded by beautiful plants, trees and wildlife. These FREE events will also feature fun crafts and activities for the children and a fundraiser for Children’s Speech & Reading Center. Books will be for sale by The Crowded Bookshelf and can also be purchased in advance here. 

 Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for additional seating. Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome!

July 27 Event Features

Presenters:

J. R. Black

J. R. Black is an author of children’s stories who loves to share her adventures with her Irish setter, Seamus. They live in Colorado, where they enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fresh air. J. R. Black likes to write stories that are fun, humorous, and educational, inspired by her own experiences and imagination. Her stories feature Seamus as the main character, who often gets into trouble and mischief, but also learns valuable lessons along the way. Some of her books include Seamus Goes to School and Baby Seamus. J. R. Black hopes that her stories will entertain and inspire young readers to love reading and learning.   Learn More Here

Featured Story: 

Seamus Goes to School. Written by J. R. Black.

Seamus is a curious and fun loving Irish Setter. Join him as he follows the Neighborhood kids to school one day, and find out what kind of trouble he gets himself into.

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Cathy Morrison

As an illustrator Cathy is passionate about nature, science and the environment. Combining her degrees in fine arts and education along with her background in animation and graphic design, she now researches and illustrates a variety of books ranging from picture books, creative nonfiction and chapter books. Cathy’s studio is in the foothills northwest of Fort Collins with a panoramic view of the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. She enjoys travel, hiking, and gardening, especially with native, drought-tolerant plants that encourage pollinators.  Learn More Here

Featured Story: 

Bryan’s Alphabet Garden. Written by Eleanor B. Patrick and illustrated by Cathy Morrison.

Bryan’s Alphabet Garden is based on the true story of 3-year-old, New Bern native, Bryan Patrick, and his quest to grow fruits and vegetables from A to Z. Written by Bryan’s mom, this rhythmic and rhyming story is an adorable tale of setting goals, facing challenges and learning in nature’s classroom.

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Melanie Peffer

Dr. Melanie Peffer is a teaching assistant professor and research scientist Level II at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Peffer received her B.S. and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her postdoctoral appointment in Learning Sciences from Georgia State University. Her research focuses on how people learn, understand and engage with biology content. She’s particularly interested in how educational technology like simulations and serious games can assess what people know and believe about the nature of science knowledge.  

Featured Story: 

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Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson is proud to be a self-published author, husband, and father to three boys. In his day job, he’s busy selling jets, helicopters, and satellites as a Business Development professional. In his free time, he loves exploring all of nature’s wonders, discovering new playgrounds with his kids, and being creative in a variety of ways. He currently has published three titles, “To the Moon, Mars, and Planets Afar,”  “The Itchy, Itchy Booger Book,” and “Aero, Don’t Do That!” The inspiration for his books comes from his experiences and his joy to share humor with others, especially his kids. He resides in Littleton, CO with his wonderful family. 

Featured Story: 

To the Moon, Mars, and Planets Afar. Written by Brian T. Wilson and Illustrated by Diana Urstadt.

To the Moon, Mars, and Planets Afar is a fun, factual and entertaining book that is a must-have guide for adventure seekers wanting to go beyond planet Earth. Join Captain Robert Redfur and his team as he travels through our solar system. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is perfect for all ages regardless of your home planet. Children and adults will be entertained for light years to come!

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The Crowded Bookshelf

The Crowded Bookshelf is a pop-up bookshop offering a curated selection of books for all ages that aren’t likely to be found on the bestseller lists. They also carry an assortment of gift items for readers including bookmarks, notebooks, literary prints, and more. Follow them on Instagram to see where they’ll be popping up next or visit their website where you can shop anytime. Instagram: @thecrowdedbookshelffc

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Children’s Speech & Reading Center

Children’s Speech & Reading Center is dedicated to developing and providing innovative, high quality, affordable speech-language services to all children in Northern Colorado who experience speech, language, or reading delays. The Center’s services for communication disorders improve the independence, self-respect, and quality of life of children and their families. Their therapists are certified to provide treatment that builds communication skills affected by a variety of childhood disorders including autism, Down Syndrome, dyslexia, apraxia, articulation disorders, hearing impairment, learning disabilities and other development disorders.

Click here to donate to Children’s Speech & Reading Center.

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Information and a list of authors and illustrators for all events is posted here. 

Originally published on May 10th, 2024. Updated on July 23rd, 2024.