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

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

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! :-)

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

San Juan Bautista and Story Time Adventures

Yesterday, Friday, March 25, I had the pleasure of reading to children at the YMCA after school program in the town of San Juan Bautista, California. The town's about 10-15 minutes from where I live, in Hollister, but it feels worlds different at times because there is so much history there. Not only is there the Mission, but there are other historic buildings throughout town that are quite interesting to visit.

There's one school in town, San Juan School, and that's where I did my program. I'd been contacted by the YMCA to do this program, so I dressed in my pirate costume and read pirate books, such as Bubble Bath Pirates and Pirate ABC.

Some of the books were kind of young for the audience, but the one thing I could tell is that these kids are craving programs such as these. One girl asked when I'd be back, then said,"We're here all the time." Of course, it's up to the YMCA as to when I do more of these programs. I've also appeared at the YMCA programs in Hollister for Gabilan Hills and Sunny Slope schools.

I'm also looking forward to hopefully becoming the newest Story Time Lady for the San Juan Bautista City Library. I believe they had a woman named Adele who did a fabulous job with story time programs, but I'm not quite certain what the situation is and why she is no longer doing them. I know that she is beloved by the people of SJB, and in no way am I trying to take her place. I hope that we can offer a great deal to the children of San Juan Bautista.

If you have comments or questions, please email me at Jengelha@aol.com. My site is www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Mrs. Claus is keeping busy!

More reading fun with the Girl Scouts this week. They were a delightful group of girls, and they even invited me to be a part of their cookie exchange. Yum, yum! This has been such a fun season, and I hope I'll be able to do more next year!

Story Time Adventures Continues

I am ashamed to say it's been too long since I've posted! I need to rectify that asap.

I did my first paid assembly yesterday at Ladd Lane Elementary School in Hollister, California. I did three different programs, one for Kindergarten, one for 1st grade, and one for 2nd grade. It was interesting, because I learned that I need to find books that are a bit more advanced for the 2nd graders. As I was reading what I have, which are all adorable books, I started to lose my 2nd grade audience. Back to the drawing board, as they say.

I had a great time interacting with the children, and I'm looking forward to doing more story time presentations.

This weekend, October 16 and 17, and next weekend, October 23 and 24, I will be appearing as Sadie the Scarecrow at Uesgui Farms Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill, CA. Sadie appeared at the San Benito County Fair a couple of weeks ago, and it was a great experience.

I finally received my Mrs. Claus outfit (so cute!) so I'm gearing up to have her do story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, and at local schools and events. If you, or somone you know, is interested in hiring Mrs. Claus, call me at 831 245 8462!

Julie

Story Time Today, August 4, 2010

The day is finally here! Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains. I'm very excited about this story time. I know it will be a lot of fun, and I hope the children enjoy the model trains that will be there.

Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito Street, Hollister, 1:30. Get there early to get a good seat.

I have my street signs donated by Drive Rite School, and my husband brought home orange caution cones to use as decor. Hope to see you there!

Next stop--August 29 in the city of Aromas. I've never been there, but they have an annual Aromas Day Celebration. I'll be there in my new scarecrow costume designed by friend Dee Montalbo. It's so adorable. I can't wait to wear it! Aromas Day goes from nine until four. Rides, games, and all types of great fun happening. Come see me for Story Time Adventures. The stories and songs will all have a farm theme to them!

Thank you for your great support!

Julie Engelhardt

A mom's dream come true

A quick entry before I sign off...

This has always been a dream of mine.. to run my own business, but to also make a difference. Story Time Adventures by Julie Engelhardt is something I've been working towards for many, many years. Now it's happening. Moms.. if you have a dream, a desire, a goal towards putting together your own business.. it will happen! Thank you again to those who have put their faith into me and their support. You rock!

Julie Engelhardt

Fall Story Time Adventures

And.. why is it you aren't attending story time at Mars Hill? Putting the word out again today that you will have a great time if you join us!!

This next one will be August 4 at 1:30 at Mars Hill, 610 San Benito Street.

But thinking towards more this fall. Planning a PJ story time for September, and most definitely two for October. One will be for the Renaissance Faire time--Story Faire--where you can dress up like your favorite knight, princess, nobleman, or dragon! Countess Julie will be on hand to share her favorite fairytale stories. Huzzah! Three cheers!

But, I love Halloween, and we will do it up right at Mars Hill. I've already put in an order for my costume.. an absolutely adorable scarecrow costume made by friend Dee. Dee did her own last year and it was more than adorable! Thank goodness I have friends who are so darn creative!

Thinking of holding this one on Oct. 30 which will be a Saturday. Need to find some groovy Halloween music so the kids can rock out, then we'll pull out our not-too-scary books and listen to some great Halloween tales.

Again, a big THANK YOU

August 4 Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse

Hello, reading fans.

I just love this photo because it was taken at the first Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister. These are two young fans who came dressed up for our Buccaneer Bay-Pirates theme on July 14.

The next story time is Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains. We'll be talking about everything that moves, floats, flies--you name it. There will also be some great giveaways.. like toy Hot Wheel cars and some passes to Casa de Fruta for their cool mini train ride. Go to http://www.casadefruta.com/ to learn more about this great spot in Hollister, and to find out about Casa de Choo-Choo.

I'm also pleased because we will have Hollister resident Bob Peck on hand sharing his model trains, and Drive Rite Driving School is lending some street signs for us to use as props.

A wonderful woman, Renea Magnani, a consultant with Usborne Books & More has donated two very sweet books, "That's Not My Car," and "That's Not My Tractor." If you want to check out these books, or order from her, her URL is www.ubah.com/x1994.

But remember.. the reading is the best part! We will be there August 4 at 1:30, but get there early, or stay late, to take a look at the model trains and talk with Bob about becoming a model train enthusiast!

Part of my plan is to continue doing story time programs throughout the year, but most likely on the weekend.

If you have questions, or would like to have me perform at your event or venue, please send me an email to Jengelha@aol.com.

Happy Reading!

Julie Engelhardt

PS.. a very nice article appeared in our local paper, the Free Lance, which I just have to share. Thank you, Melissa Flores: http://www.pinnaclenews.com/news/contentview.asp?c=272585

More on Story Time Adventures

All Aboard!!

On Wednesday, August 4, I will hold the last Story Time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse at 1:30 PM. I'm very excited about this story time, which is titled, "Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains." It's all about different types of transportation.

I came up with this idea because I know how much little children like to play with toy vehicles, so I thought I'd try to bring them to life.

Two of the books I'll be reading are 'Fast Food,' by Saxton Freymann and Joost Eiffers, and 'Freight Train,' by Donald Crews.

I'm very excited because I've been able to partner with local businesses and individuals.

Casa de Fruta in Hollister has graciously provided me with passes for their train ride to use as prizes, and Tiffany Ford in Hollister, celebrating 100 years, provided me with more than 65 Hot Wheels cars to give out. Drive Rite School in Hollister is lending some of their large street signs to use as props, and local model train enthusiast, Bob Peck, is bringing in model trains to share.

Mars Hill Coffeehouse is located at 610 San Benito Street at the cross of 6th Street, on the west side of San Benito. You can't miss it. There are lavender awnings over the windows. If you are a fan of the "Friends" series, Mars Hill reminds me a bit of the Central Perk local, but unfortunately, you won't find Chandler, Monica, Joey, Ross, Phoebe and Rachel--or Gunther, hanging out. I guess they have better things to do.... :-)

Hope to see you on August 4th!

Julie Engelhardt

Story time presenter..

Story Time Adventures takes off!

A new beginning. Story Time Adventures located in Hollister, but I'm willing to travel anywhere to bring the fun and adventure of books to children. I've had a successful run at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister. First story time was Buccaneer Bay-Pirates. 72 people came to see me!

The second one was WILD for Animals, and we also had a great turn out. Say hello to our friend, the pig! We had lots of crazy creatures there to entertain.

Story Time Adventures runs for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending upon your needs. Please contact me at Jengelha@aol.com for pricing information. More to come.

Free Story Time in Hollister, California

Well, it's only a week until I do my first story time here in Hollister, Ca. It will be held at Mars Hill Cofeehouse located at 610 San Benito Street. I certainly hope we have a good turn out that morning--11 am to noon. This will be a pirate theme, so I've been purchasing pirate books and thinking up things to do that are related to pirates.

I'm doing this on a volunteer basis. My inspiration comes from an 'old' friend, John Zickefoose, who I met about, wow, 13 years ago in Corona, California. John is such a great presenter, but I found out that he did not learn how to read until he was 35. Can you imagine that? He said he even graduated from high school, but he wasn't able to read the words on his diploma. He learned how to read after suffering a back injury which prevented him from continuing the type of work he was doing. It's amazing how life works.

But, John's message to kids and adults was to keep reading, reading, reading. I really want to pass that message along to the people here in Hollister. I'm a volunteer, I'm not making any money from this. I also want to give something to the community--to the people who are looking for things they can do with their children, for free!

My hope is to continue doing this for the rest of the summer, and possibly during the holidays. My next thought is to do a Hawaiian Beach Party reading event. Or, take a holiday from video games.. something along those lines. I'm looking for hula dancers who will perform for free.

Thanks for reading my blog! Hope to see you at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister on July 14, 11 am, 610 San Benito Street.

Julie

Julie Engelhardt--story time

Ah.. it's been quite some time since I've posted to my blog. Things have been a bit slow regarding writing, but I'm not giving up! I have a new project in the works.

I've always been intrigued by reading to children, it's something I love to do. So, on Wednesday, July 14, from 11 am to noon, I'm going to be offering a free story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollister-CA/Mars-Hill-Coffeehouse/79929789196 in Hollister, CA. It's going to be a pirate theme.. Buccaneer Bay. I've found some really cute books that I'm going to read, such as "That's Not My Pirate," by Fiona Watts, http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Pirate-Usborne-Touchy-Feely/dp/0794517021/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278280502&sr=8-1, and "Bubble Bath Pirates," by Jarrett J. Krosoczka http://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Bath-Pirates-Jarrett-Krosoczka/dp/0670035998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278280540&sr=8-1, and others. This is absolutely free for everyone.

My intent is two-fold. First, I really want to offer something to the families in Hollister. It's a lovely little town, but it is so devoid of anything that is family friendly. Sure, we have our regular fast food restaurants with their play structures, but that tends to get tiresome, especially when your kids get too old to climb through the structures, and when the smell of burgers and french fries get to be too much. We had two great places in town: Jump-2-It and The Players Edge, but they closed down, so we really have nothing for the kids to do. There are seasonal sports, but the summer tends to drag on. Plus, some of these activities are pricey! So, that's why this is free.

Second, I want to share my love for books, especially children's books. I came up with this idea a few weeks ago, and I was really quite surprised that Mars Hill gave me the green light. I even have sponsors for this.. Hollister Center for Cosmetic Dentistry--Dr. Mark Darnell; http://www.cartoonthunder.com/; and http://www.safehouseweb.com/. Yay! Their sponsorships are helping me to aquire items I can give to the kids, like coloring sheets and other goodies.

I am also planning on dressing, as best as possible, as a pirate for the day, and telling pirate jokes and songs. For example, how much does it cost a pirate to buy earrings? Answer: 'A buccaneer!" Get it.. a buck an ear! And what is a pirate's favorite kind of food? Barrr-b-que! Okay.. goofy at best, but I'm hoping the kids will enjoy it.

I'd also like to take this and expand, and hopefully perform at elementary schools and other venues in central coastal California.

So, swing by and see us at Mars Hill Coffeehouse on Wednesday, July 14, at 11 am. It starts then! No stragglers, or ye'll be walkin' the plank, matey! Arghhhh. The coffee house is at 610 San Benito Street. For info call 831 245 8462.

Please feel free to post this and pass this along. Pirates, pirates, pirates!