Pelham community read of ‘Flora & Ulysses’ concludes with multiple events Oct. 1-2

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

September 20; Pelham, NY: The 2022 Pelham Reads! celebration takes place Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2, featuring book-themed crafts, snacks and fun for kids of all ages. This year’s book selection is the Newbery Medal winner Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo.

Established in 2013, Pelham Reads is a biennial town-wide celebration of stories, as told through literature, art and film. It features a singular, wonderful-for-all-ages book, and kicks off with a weekend of free (yes, free!) activities for kids and their grownups alike. This year, there will be a celebration at the Library on October 1, followed by a free movie at the Picture House and free activity at the Art Center on October 2. But that’s not all! A scavenger hunt is happening in our local businesses from September 19 – October 1, and a Sip and Paint for adults (21+) on September 28. To top it off, an essay contest for grades 1 – 8 is now accepting submissions, and two winners will be awarded in a ceremony at the October 1 event!

Here is the full schedule of events—all free!

For events that require registration, please visit: https://www.pelhamlibrary.org/2022-pelham-reads-book-choice/

PELHAM READS PREVIEW

Monday, September 19 – October 1

 Squirrel Scavenger Hunt (all ages), @ local Pelham Businesses

Keep your eyes peeled while you go about your errands—Ulysses the squirrel has been sighted in Pelham! When you see him, snap a picture and share it on social media along with the location and the hashtags #spotthesquirrel and #pelhamreads for a chance to win one of these cute stuffies!

Wednesday, September 28

Squirrel Sip & Paint (for ages 21 and up!),7:30 – 9 p.m. @ The Library

Relax with a paintbrush and a glass of wine, making new friends while painting a piece of art at this adults-only event! Tickets are limited. To reserve your spot, please visit https://www.pelhamlibrary.org/2022-pelham-reads-book-choice/.  Only guests who receive a confirmation email are assured a spot.

 

PELHAM READS DAY 1

Saturday, October 1

All events are @ The Library

Face Painting and Cape-Crafting Workshop, 9 – 11 a.m. @ The Library

Get your face painted like a squirrel and make a superhero cape! For ages 3 and up.

Comic Demonstration + Sketching Lesson, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. @ The Library

A pro comic book artist from the Pelham Arts Center demonstrates how to sketch your stories! Comic-book fans like Flora will love this one! (Psst, Pelham Art Center is offering an awesome 8-week Creating Comics class this fall! Sign up here!) For ages 6 and up.

LEGO Demo!, 10:30 – 11 a.m. @ The Library

Watch a LEGO whiz create a squirrel and be inspired to make your own! For ages 3 and up.

Trivia Quiz, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. @ The Library

Even superheroes need snacks! Munch a donut while you test your Flora & Ulysses smarts. (This sweet plays a pivotal role in the plot!) For ages 3 and up.

Essay Contest Winner Announced and Donut Treat, 11 a.m. – noon @ The Library

Cheer this year’s winner and runner-up! (Scroll down for details on how your kiddo can enter!)

 

PELHAM READS DAY 2

Sunday, October 2 – Events at the Picture House and Art Center

Movie! A Squirrel’s Guide to Success, 10 a.m. @ The Picture House

The nutty nature doc will help you see squirrels in a whole new light! Not Rated, Suggested ages 4 and up.

Fabric Cape-making Workshop, 1 – 2:15 p.m. and 2:45 – 4 p.m. @ The Art Center

Use the paper cape you made at the library and bring it to life in fabric!  This is a cape you can wear to fly around town! For ages 6 and up. Each session has 15 spots—please reserve your spot here: https://www.pelhamlibrary.org/2022-pelham-reads-book-choice/

Follow us at Friends of the Pelham Library on Facebook or visit the library website to learn about all the fun in store. For now, ask one of your favorite librarians for a copy of the book. Copies are available at the Circulation Desk.

Flora & Ulysses ESSAY CONTEST DETAILS:

Announcing the First-Ever Pelham Reads Essay Contest!

Calling all student writers in grades 1 through 8! Submit an essay inspired by Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo by Sunday, September 25th and have a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card and local literary glory!

Writing Prompt: choose one of the following prompts for your essay

  1. If you were creating a superhero animal, what animal would you choose? Use Ulysses as a guide and include details like: a superpower, a name, how your superhero reveals or disguises powers, friends, enemies.
  2. There are many quirky and interesting characters in Flora & Ulysses. Who is your favorite character and why?
  3. Impossible things happen all the time. This story is filled with unlikely events that become life changing for many of the characters. When unexpected things happen to you, what do you do?

Essay Contest Prizes: the first-place winner will receive a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble; the second-place winner will receive a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble.

Essay Contest Guidelines:

  • Kids in grades 1 through 8 are eligible.
  • Submissions must be emailed to [email protected] by Sunday, September 25th at 8:00 PM. Essays may be pasted in the body of the email or attached as Word doc or PDF.
  • Submissions will be judged by three Pelham-area media professionals. One first-place winner and one-second place winner will be chosen. Winners will be notified via email and will be announced on Saturday, October 1st, during our Pelham Reads! Celebration.
  • Essay submissions should be 200-500 words.