COVINGTON, Ky. – The Kenton County Public Library and the Kenton County and Campbell County Community Early Childhood Council will host the fifth annual Early Childhood Literacy Fair on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 12:30-4 p.m. at the Mary Ann Mongan Library, 502 Scott Blvd., Covington.
Young children and families will enjoy concerts by Thaddeus Rex and Zak Morgan, an appearance by the Kenton County Public Library’s Booker the Reading Retriever, fun activities and a free book for the first 400 children.
Children will love Thaddeus Rex, a PBS veteran and award-winning songwriter. His unique brand of high octane music and contagious enthusiasm has been hailed by The Washington Post as “party Monty Python, part Dr. Seuss” and by the L.A. Times as “a sincere celebration of reading.” He’s also been known to get kids excited about reading along the way.
He travels the country non-stop, readin’, rockin’, and even promotin’ a writing contest that New York Magazine called “a more modest, kiddie version of ‘American Idol.’”
Zak Morgan is a library favorite. He performs over 200 shows a year, using music, magic, theater and comedy to encourage children to read books and exercise their imaginations. His unrestrained stage presence always leaves a lasting impression.
Morgan’s second CD, “When Bullfrogs Croak,” debuted at a sold-out release concert and was nominated for a 2004 Grammy. His first CD, “Bloom,” was met nationally with rave reviews and many prestigious awards.
“Reading is an excellent gateway to other learning activities,” says Amy Schardein, early childhood specialist.
“You might have a great scientific mind but you can’t understand it if you can’t read the text book. Music is a great way to get children excited about reading and both Zak Morgan and Thaddeus Rex know how to do that.”
The free fair is funded by a grant from the Kentucky KIDS NOW initiative. Visit http://www.kentonlibrary.org/ for more information.
Schedule of Events:12:30 p.m. Zak Morgan Concert
1 p.m. Book giveaway begins
1-3:30 p.m. Activities and giveaways from community agencies, face painting and balloon animals clowns from Rainbow entertainment.
3:30 p.m. Thaddeus Rex Concert
If you go:
WHO: Children ages 0-5 and their families
WHAT: Kenton County Public Library Early Childhood Literacy Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21, from 12:30-4 p.m.
WHERE: Mary Ann Mongan Library – 502 Scott Blvd., Covington
