Young readers take flight at library

ALANNA WOLF Staff Writer
Preschoolers display their “No” signs while listening to librarian Elizabeth Argo read “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late” last week at the Maryville Public Library.

Elizabeth Argo proved that having fun with books isn’t for the birds Thursday evening at the Maryville Public Library.

Argo, who manages infant and toddler services at the library, organized an evening of singing, games, and reading centered around the popular Mo Willems “Don’t Let the Pigeon” book series.

Willems’ books center around a passionate pigeon who wants to try everything from driving a bus to staying up late to getting a puppy.

Naturally the pigeon can’t do those things, but when he is told “no” he has a temper tantrum.

The books give young children a chance both to tell the pigeon no and learn lessons about holding their own tempers.

Argo gave children who attended the event signs bearing the word “No.” As she read “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late.” the young folks were encouraged to hold up their signs and yell “no” each time the pigeon was told no in the book.

After the story, the youngsters took part in pigeon- and bus-themed games and activities.