As 2012 comes to a close, I want to say a simple thank you to those who brought me on board this past month to perform as Mrs. Claus....
The Great Mall in Milpitas, CA
California Welcome Center
Girl Scouts
Downtown Music and Sound, Salinas, CA
Many private homes
Panoche Valley Elementary School..

and the list goes on and on and on....
Look for more entertaining ways to bring Story Time Adventures to your event!


Julie Engelhardt as "Mrs. Claus" with friends at Panoche Valley School, California.

Update on Neighborhood Pizza's Family Days

So, Story Time Adventures had its first 'Family Day' at Neighborhood Pizza in Hollister, California on Sunday, April 15.  As always, I was extremely nervous that it wouldn't work, no one would show up, and that we would have spent all of this time and money on something that just had no legs.

I walked into the place at about 12:45, fifteen minutes before 'Family Day' was supposed to begin. Gail, the promoter, was on the floor putting some things together, but she'd been there earlier putting out crafts and games, and getting it all together. She is wonderful! But, the only kids I saw were two who were aimlessly waiting for their dads to finish eating. I thought, "Is this it?" But they didn't even know about Family Day, so it was a bonus.

But, as we headed towards one, and past, people started to trickle in with their kids. Thank goodness for the kids! I feel as if my entire week was spent on Facebook promoting this to friends, acquaintances, and pretty much anyone who is on my friend list. I made event pages for this, inviting everyone I could think of.   To paraphrase a line from Field of Dreams, 'If you promote it, they will come.' And they did. And I am so grateful!

Okay, so it wasn't a wild, out of control, mass of kids, but I'd say we probably had between fifteen and 20, little to big. We played music, had dance 'contests,' held raffles, read books.. and generally had fun.

Our next one is on the 22nd and is Prince and Princess party. I have amazing friends who have stepped up to help. One bought some prizes, another is cutting out circles for me for a craft project, and another lent me some of her daugther's princess books.

Oh.. and I contacted Medieval Times in Buena Park and they are (hopefully) sending 35 of their paper crowns for us to give to the kids! Hezzah--not sure how you spell it.

This is great. Story Time Adventures is so THRILLED to be a part of this program. I hope it lasts forever!

Family Pizza Day April 15, 2012--Hollister

In my quest to come up with ideas for this Sunday's Family Pizza Day at Neighborhood Pizza in Hollister, I came up with a cute little idea. When I go grocery shopping I get the paper bags and save them for projects just like this. I've already started cutting out the brown circles, but I need to find a way to shred paper to make the cheese, and I need lots of pepperoni circles.

I'm very excited about this new program at Neighborhood Pizza, and I hope we have a great turn out. The 15th will be Pizza Party, the 22nd will be Prince and Princess Pizza Party, and the 29th will be Pirate Pizza Party! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's pizza party is for me!

For more information about Story Time Adventures and what we have available, check out my web site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Family Pizza Days Approaching!

Now that the spring Story Time Adventures "book" camp is over, I am going to concentrate on my next project, Family Pizza Days at Neighborhood Pizza in Hollister, California. I certainly hope you'll take this opportunity to visit with me, Julie Engelhardt, while you're there, and let me share some of my favorite books with you and your family. I promise we will have a fantastic time!

Family Pizza Days are April 15, 22, and 29 from 1 to 3. Come and see the changes that have been made to Neighborhood Pizza, and have some fun!

See you there.

Julie Engelhardt

Story Time Adventures Camp--Update

So, here are a few of the happy campers who participated in my Story Time Adventures Mini Reading Camp. We had a busy day. The "Campers" and their parents/guardians, arrived at 'headquarters' at about 9 a.m. and we talked about reading, books and what they, and the adults, liked to read. I then read them a book about being a firefighter, then we were off to Fire Station 2 in Hollister, California.

The firemen were SO very nice, and funny, too! They took us through the kitchen, the day room, and their sleeping quarters, then we went to see the engines! Very impressive. The kids even had a chance to go inside the rigs to see what it would be like to ride up high in one of the trucks.

The best part was when one of the moms was 'volunteered' to dress in the turn out gear--the gear they wear to a fire. She was a great sport, and hopefully I'll have some photos to share once I receive them.

During our visit to the fire department, I asked the firemen why it is important for them to know how to read. They told us so they can find their way to a fire, but the captain said they also need to be good at reading, and spelling and grammar, because they have many reports to fill out after they go to a fire or accident. I'd never thought about that, but it does make sense.

After our visit to the fire station, we headed back to camp headquarters and had a visits from American Medical Response where EMTs and an ambulance came to visit us. The kids were able to get inside the rig and see a lot of the equipment they use on calls.

If you would like to find out more about Story Time Adventures Camps, check my web site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. I'm located in Hollister, California, which is near Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Story Time Adventures Mini Camp on 4/10/12

Tomorrow is the big day! I've been planning this for weeks, and finally I will have my first 'mini' reading camp in Hollister. The theme is 'Rescue Me From Bordom--Read a Good Book!' The sub theme is rescue heroes, and we'll be reading books about fire fighters and paramedics.

My initial idea was to do a three day camp and concentrate on different emergency personnel daily, but that didn't pan out. So, it's a one day camp that will last between 2 and 2 and a half hours. The kids will show up, I'll read them a book, then we're heading to the fire department down the road from us. After, we'll head back to my place and at 11, an ambulance with an EMT or paramedic will show up.

At first, this 'camp' was to be for younger kids, ages 5-8, but I've opened it up to younger, and older, kids as well. I hope they will enjoy themselves!

If you live near Hollister, Ca., and would like to participate, we'd love to have you! Go to my site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com and contact me that way! Hope to see you there!

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Painting pictures with story telling

This morning I was thinking about my story time program at the National Steinbeck Center on April 7, 2012. Again, I had a great time, and I believe the kids and parents did, too! To be honest, there's really nothing 'scarier' as a performer to think that no one will show up. Okay.. not scary, but it does make me worry a bit.

When I started out with Story Time Adventures in 2010 I was so afraid no one would show up to the local coffeehouse where I was performing, but thankfully, about 70 people showed up on the first day. Wow. I am still grateful to Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister, Ca., for allowing me to get my feet wet and start my journey on my entrepreneurial venture.

And.. yes, I do get paid for what I do. There are times when I will offer up my program for free, but that's more for organizations such as women's shelters and for a local group home for kids.

I still think back to this past Christmas which is when I appeared as Mrs. Claus. I was booked to do several assemblies at a local elementary school where a friend works. She was kind enough to suggest my program to her principal, and she was instrumental in getting me the booking.

But, I heard through my husband that her husband commented, "Wow, I wish I could get paid (xxx) to read to kids!" My fee really isn't that exhorbitant, by any means. I know assembly entertainers who get paid WAY more than I ever charge. But, if I take a step back and look at it from his perspective, I might say to myself, "Why would a school/mall/library, etc., hire someone to read books?" Good question, really.

So, let me explain. Yes, most definitely, anyone can read to their children, or to any child, for that matter. I hope they are doing it. I hope they are volunteering numerous hours to come in and read to all grades, not just the younger ones. Kids need to be read to in order to understand our language, patterns, thoughts, and to use their imagination! But, do you go to school and read to your sons'/daughters' classes? I used to when my sons were younger. That's how I found out I had an interest, as well as a knack, for doing this. And doing it quite well.

There's so much to reading out loud. It's not just reciting what's on the written page. It has to do with tone, inflection, and having fun! Some people don't realize how important it is to show the pictures while you're reading the book. It might feel a little awkward, but it's what kids like. Also, slow down! There's no need to rush through a book. Use your voice, make the characters talk in different voices, and bring it to life! Choose books with great illustrations, but little text on each page. I've had people offer me books at their parties, etc., to read to their kids, but they are often long and wordy, and kids get bored!!!

Yesterday at the Steinbeck Museum I received an affirmation that I am doing a good job. One woman came up to me and began talking with me after the program. Her first question was, "Where do you get your books?" I told her they come from all over--the library, book stores, grandparents--and I've even found a few in the bargain bin at our local grocery store.

Then she asked her real question. She asked, "Are kids listening to you because of the books you read, or because of the way you do it?" She then continued, "I read to my daughter, but she won't sit still and listen to me!" She then told me she'd seen me at the local California Welcome Center in Salinas, CA, at Christmas, when I was there as Mrs. Claus. She said she liked the books I'd read, which was great.

To be honest, I'm not trying to brag or be boastful in any fashion. I just love reading to kids, and I hope you do, too!

If you are in California on the 10th of June, I will be appearing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for World Oceans Day, and I will also be appearing at Santana Row in San Jose, CA. This next school year I'm going to offer Skype sessions for schools across the country. I hope you will check out my site, www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Keep Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Ms. Bunny and her 'Tails'

So, today (April 7, 2012) I had the opportunity to present my Story Time Adventures program at the National Steinbeck Museum in Salinas, California. For locals, and those who aren't so close, this is a beautiful monument to author John Steinbeck. The main gallery is quite spectacular with photos and images of Steinbeck, and tributes to his life in Salinas, Monterey County, and his works.

About a month ago I participated in the celebration of Steinbeck's 110th birthday celebration. I'd been 'knocking' on the Center's door for quite some time, expressing my interest in doing my program there, and finally, it clicked! there weren't a lot of children present, but some did come into the hall where I was placed and we had a good time. I then suggested to the personnel that I come back to do a Spring/Easter program, and they were intrigued by the idea. We set it up, were able to get donations of prizes, and away we went.

I arrived at the Center about 30 minutes before the program was set to start. I always get butterflies before I do a program--especially if I'm not sure if anyone will show up. I paced nervously in front of the main entrance, but my nerves calmed as families began to show up. There were about 30 children in attendance, ranging in age from babies up to about 11 years old. I read for 30 minutes, then the kids were let loose to hunt for eggs in the gallery. Afterwards, they were able to turn in their eggs for a prize. We had great prizes, such as tickets to amusement parks and tickets to a local fair. I was thrilled!

I am hoping that I can continue my relationship with the Center and continue to do more programs. I will celebrate my second anniversary of Story Time Adventures this summer, and I am more than delighted that little by little my program is still being recognized as a quality program for schools, scouts, libraries--you name it!

If you'd like to learn more, please visit my site, www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Happy Reading!
Julie

Pizza! Who doesn't love warm, toasty, cheesy, saucy pizza! I know that I certainly do.

Books! Who doesn't love delving into their favorite page-turner on a rainy afternoon or while sitting on a sunny beach?

Now.. what if you could combine pizza and books! That would be the BEST!

You can, on Sundays in April.. the 15th, 22nd, and 29th, in Hollister, California, at Neighborhood Pizza on Tres Pinos Road. Starting on the 15th, the restaurant will start their Family Pizza Days from 1 to 3 pm. I, Julie Engelhardt, will be there with Story Time Adventures--reading books, playing games, and providing crafts. We will even have a face painter from time to time!
If you would like to learn more about this event, go to my Face Book events page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/113893075409305/. Bring the whole family after church and have some good old-fashioned fun!
See you there!

Julie

Mini Reading Camp

During the past 18 months I've been able to share my experiences with you about my program, my business, called Story Time Adventures. What started out as a small experiment to see if anyone would be interested in listening to me read children's books, has grown into a wonderful and exhilarating part time career.

I am still visiting schools, libraries, and other venues to present my story time program. This past November and December, 2011, I appeared as Mrs. Claus in a number of places, including the Northern Nevada Children's Museum in Carson City, Nevada; with the Watsonville Community Band in Northern California, reading 'The Night Before Christmas,' and at the California Welcome Center in Salinas, California.

It is now February 2012 and I have new plans on the horizon. I am working on putting together a Mini Reading Camp for April 9-11 while my son and I are on Spring Break. It's called 'Rescue Me From Boredom--Read a Good Book!' This will focus on police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics. I will be reading stories about these different people, and we will be visitng a fire station, and have visits from a police officer and an ambulance driver. The cost is $20 per child with a $7 materials fee. It's designed for children in grades K-2, but if those who are a little older, or a little younger, want to participate, then that's okay with me! Moms/dads or a responsible adult must stay with the child at all times.

If you want more information, email me at Jengelha@aol.com. This is in Hollister, California. I will also be offering Skype story times for schools throughout the country. I hope to hear from you! Julie Engelhardt, Story Time Adventures

Now for the Fall and Winter

Story Time Adventures has taken somewhat of a hiatus during the summer, although I did do some programs at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, California, and at Santana Row in San Jose, California. I am very thankful that my friend Valerie, took one of the days while I was in Southern California getting my older son prepared for college. She did a fantastic job.

Now that the fall will soon be here, and Thanksgiving, and the Christmas holidays, I'm gearing up for my favorite time of year when it comes to story telling. Last year I purchased a scarecrow costume for Halloween, a Mrs. Claus outfit, and this year, a good friend, Kim, found a Native American costume at a local thrift store. Kudos to you, Kim! Now I can do story time programs for all three holidays. I'm still pondering what I can do for the Native American story time. I know that there is much discussion about the Thanksgiving Holiday, so I need to be sensitive to this issue.

I'm also very excited because I may also lead a group of elementary school children in a Readers Theater program. Our elementary school has enrichment classes where the students can do anything from art to learning a foreign language. I've always wanted to do a Readers Theater, but I think this will be a good time to do that.

Keep your kids reading, all year long!

Best--Julie Engelhardt
Story Time Adventures
www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Gearing up for Christmas

Wow. The 4th of July was just yesterday, but I'm already getting ready for the holiday season. It was just a year ago that I began my foray into 'Story Time Adventures' by offering free story time programs at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister, California. I have counted my blessings many times over because with a bit of tenacity, and a knack for doing a bit of publicity, I've done my Story Time programs at Malls, schools, fairs, and many other places. As many know, I dress in costume and portray different characters. My favorite is Mrs. Claus.

I'm putting the word out now that I'm available to do story time programs, or just general appearances, as Mrs. Claus. I read, sing, interact, and just have a great time with the children.

You can reach me at 831 245 8462. I'm located in Central Coastal California, but will travel up to 100 miles from my home.

Thanks!
Julie Engelhardt

San Juan Bautista Story Time

I am going to blog about this til 'the cows come home.'

For the past couple of months I've been doing a bi-weekly story time for the preschool children from the San Juan Bautista Library in San Juan Bautista, CA. They walk over from their school and we start at about 10 a.m. each time. It has been a great deal of fun and the children are so adorable. There are a few who get a bit restless, but overall, they are great for a group of four and five year old kids. This past Thursday was the best, though. I did a story time program about transportation: cars, trucks, planes, boats, etc. I thought I was going to lose my crowd, when one little girl announced, "I want to leave!" You just have to plug through those times and keep on going. June 16 was my last regular date with them, until they start up again in September. But, thankfully, the library auxiliary has been pleased with the work I have done, so they asked me to do a summer reading program as well. I'm scheduled to read on Thursdays, June 30, July 14, 21, and 28, at 10 a.m. each time. I'm a bit worried because the town is small, and I'm not sure how many children will show up. I have contacted the local media, which is very small, to have them post in their community calendar the fact that I will be there, and I've put up flyers around town to get people to notice what I'm doing. I'm a bit disheartend, though, because I put flyers up at two key spots, and when I was in town the other day, they'd been taken down.

I'm not ready to give up, though! The story time for June 30 is Pirates, then on July 14--Sports; July 21 Around the world, and July 28--Dr. Seuss. Please, please, please oh please, pass this along to your friends, family and anyone who loves story telling. Taking a trip up the 101 to San Francisco, or down the 101 to Los Angeles? Come by and see us! The library's located at 801 Second Street. Call me, 831 245 8462 for more information!

San Juan Bautista Library Story Time

Story time program for this summer will be on Thursdays, June 30, July 14, 21, 28. Great fun for the whole family. The first one on June 30 will be Buccaneer Bay, Pirates! 10 a.m. til noon. Dress in your favorite pirate gear. 801 Second Street. For information, call Julie Engelhardt, 831 635 9674. It's a ton of fun! :-)

Scholarships for Alex Engelhardt

I received a call the other day from a local scouting official, letting me know that Alex Engelhardt will be receiving a $1,000 scholarship from scouting. Wow! I'm so thrilled. Yet, as many of us know, it takes a lot more than $1,000 to go to college. My advice to parents.. save, save, save, save, save!! We've done some, but not as much as needed. So, that's why we've created the site for Alex, www.sponsormydegree.com/AlexEngelhardt. Here, you, your friends, your company, anyone, can help sponsor Alex's degree. He wants to become a scientist, and he wants to get a Masters Degree. He's been accepted to California State University, or Cal State Fullerton. He really wants to attend this univeristy. If anyone would like to assist, please check out the URL above. Thank you!
Julie Engelhardt
Story Time Adventures

Scholarship Funds for Alex Engelhardt

So I'm taking my Story Time blog and changing it into a blog about trying to find money for my son's college education. We have some saved, through bonds, but need to acquire something more. So, we've created a site for Alex through Sponsor My Degree dot com. If you would like to donate even $5, you can do so through this site. He's a worthwhile student! Thank you,
Julie Engelhardt
http://www.sponsormydegree.com/AlexEngelhardt

Story Time Programs for May

There are many things in my life that I am thankful for, and one of them is that there are 'holidays' and observances that I can use to create programs for Story Time Adventures.

The month of May comes with two observances: Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day. Because of these two holidays, a birthday, and a standing gig with Santana Row Mall in San Jose, I have 7 performances occurring within 8 days. I have three with the YMCA in San Benito County, one at the San Juan Bautista Library, one at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, a birthday party in Hollister, and story time at Santana Row which will be about Cat in the Hat.

I started thinking about May story time program ideas last month and knew that I could score a couple with Mother's Day, which I did, but then someone suggested Cinco de Mayo. That's how I scored three more programs for the week, with the YMCA. I'm very fortunate that they have liked my programs, and I think they want to try to incorporate something 'cultural' into their after school program. Again, my main thing is I like to wear costumes of some sort while I do my program, so I was able to purchase two straw sombreros from a local thrift store, and a friend was able to lend me a sarape that she said I could use.

I also received some exciting news that our local library wants me to do a story time program June 30. This year's summer reading theme has to do with world travel, and my program is "Around the World in 60 Minutes!" During my program I will don four or five different costumes and read books that relate to that costume. So far I have the costume for Mexico, one for the Pacific Islands/Polynesia, and one for Asia.

I'm hoping that I can book several programs for the summer to help supplement my income while school's out (I'm a substitute teacher.) If you know of any groups that would like a story teller, you can contact me via my site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. Thank you! Julie Engelhardt

More Story Time News

So, it has been a busy few days for Story Time Adventures. Did an Easter party on April 16 for about 15 or so children. I love reading to the younger children. I met an adorable little boy named Jack who became my 'best buddy' at the party. Jack is 3 years old and just as adorable as can be. He truly believed I was "Miss Bunny" and I chose him to be my helper for one of the books. Then Jack, his big sister, and his mom showed up at the story time I did at our local coffee house, Mars Hill, and since he was such a trooper the first time, I chose him to help me again, which he did quite willingly. Got a break on Tuesday, but will be doing a story time at a local library on Wednesday, April 20, and then another one on Saturday, April 23 at Book Smart book store in Morgan Hill, California.

The one cool this is that I booked a birthday party for May while at the Easter party. Yay. Little by little. That's May 7, and I also have a Mother's Day program that day in Los Altos, Ca., at Linden Tree book store, then on the 9th I'm back to Santana Row for a Cat in the Hat story time program at Anubee Children's Boutique. Trying to think of some other themes for May and for the summer.

Thanks, as always, for your support.

Happy Reading,
Julie Engelhardt
www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Still Keeping Busy with Story Time Adventures.

This has been a good, busy week for me and my 'business.' On Wednesday, April 13, I appeared at Westgate Mall in San Jose. They have a monthly Mommy and Me program, which is spectacular. Before I went on, there was a very energetic singer/guitar player who had the little ones pumped up big time! I performed on a stage, but sat on the edge so the kids could get up close to the books. I'm used to being in a more intimate setting, but it was a good experience. Then on Thursday, the next day, I did four assemblies at a local elementary school. As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait. I've been courting the school for some time, and I finally got the green light to do my program. It was for K-3rd graders, with a performance for each individual grade. I did my Wild For Animals! for the K and 1st, then one on food and cooking for the 2nd and 3rd graders. On Saturday, April 16, I'm doing a program at a private home, on Monday, the 18th I'm at Mars Hill Coffeehouse at 11 for a free program, then Wednesday I begin my work at the San Juan Bautista Library for story time, then finally, on the 23rd, I'll be at BookSmart book store in Morgan Hill doing Hop into Spring story time. Phew! Then, after that, I'm doing a Mother's Day program in Los Altos at Linden Tree book store. Hm.. I guess I am keeping pretty busy, huh? Thanks for your support, and happy reading! Julie Engelhardt www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Springtime Happenings

I am looking forward to my spring time story programs. This coming week will be a busy one--thankfully! I am doing a spring time story program at Westgate Mall on Wednesday. I've never been there before, so have no idea what's in store for me. I guess they have a Mommy & Me program, and I'm part of the program that day. Found some cute Easter/spring books that I hope the children will like. One's called Easter Ribbit, about a frog who wants to help the Easter bunny. It's very cute, but I'm also pleased because an Easter or two ago I purchased a frog puppet from K-Mart. The frog "sings" different children's songs, like Old MacDonald, etc. Well, I bought some rabbit ears, the kind the kids wear, and put them on my frog, so now I have an actual Easter ribbit of my own to share with the kids. I'm also pleased because I can use my froggy for a story time I'll be doing at the San Juan Bautista library at the end of the month. I find it's easier to do a story time if you have a theme. I foung out that April is National Frog Month (who knew?) so I'm already searching for frog story books. Thank goodness for Face Book, because I have many FB friends who have books I can borrow. Thank you! I also have a friend who says she has tadpoles that I can take along. Gosh.. I hope they don't slosh out of their container! But, on Thursday I'm doing 4 story time programs at one school. Two will be about food and cooking, and the other two about animals. Scored a pretty interesting necklace today at a rummage sale at our school.. a wooden necklace with carved wooden animals on it. At first my 8 year old asked why I'd buy it, but then I explained it was for story time, so he thought that was okay. Thanks for your support... and happy reading. Julie Engelhardt www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.