Animal Tales: The Windy Day

Our Park Naturalists and volunteers come to your local library each month to share a story about a native animal and lead a craft or activity. These programs are FREE to attend and are most appropriate for preschool to upper elementary age children. Advance registration is required by contacting your library. 

Please note: With the ever-changing circumstances involving the COVID-19 pandemic, Animal Tales may become Virtual Animal Tales and/or an Animal Tales StoryWalk at McCloud Nature Park during any given month. Follow us on Facebook or contact your local library for updates.

January: The Mitten by Jan Brett

When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. 

February: City Hawk by Meghan McCarthy

New York City is known for its skyscrapers, subways, and hustle and bustle — not for its wildlife. So everyone is surprised when a red-tailed hawk is spotted flying over Fifth Avenue, and even more surprised when he decides to settle down on the ledge of one of the Big Apple’s swankiest apartment buildings. The hawk soon draws many admirers. They name him Pale Male and watch as he builds his nest, finds a mate, and teaches his little hawk babies to fly. Based on a true story. 

March: The Windy Day  by Anna Milbourne and Elena Temporin 

Join children as they play outdoors and discover the delights of a windy day, from flying a kite high in the sky to watching seagulls gliding in the wind. With simple text and gorgeous illustrations from Elena Temporin throughout.  

April: A Salamander’s Life  by John Himmelman  

John Himmelman’s color illustrations and simple text relate the life cycle of a salamander as it grows from being an egg to a larva to an adult female salamander which hunts for food and lays her own eggs. Strikingly original watercolors depict the salamander’s world from her unique perspective.  

Clayton – Liberty Township 

• Call library at (317) 539-2991 to register in advance
• Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. 
• Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5

Monrovia 

• Call library at (317) 996-4307 to register in advance
• Tuesdays at 1 p.m. 
• Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5

Plainfield – Guilford Township 

• Call library at (317) 839-6602 to register in advance
• Wednesdays at 10 a.m. 
• Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6

Brownsburg 

• Call library at (317) 852-3167 to register in advance
• Wednesdays at 4 p.m. 
• Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6

Jamestown

• Call library at (765) 676-6190 to register in advance
• Thursdays at 3 p.m.
• Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7

Roachdale

• Call library at (765) 522-1491 to register in advance
• Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
• April 7

Avon

• Call library at (317) 272-4818 to register in advance
• Fridays at 2 p.m.
• Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 8

Danville

• Call library at (317) 745-2604 to register in advance
• Fridays at 4 p.m.
• Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 8