Juggling, arts and craft, storytelling and laughter filled the Santa Monica Library Saturday as the Kiwanis Club hosted their annual celebration of famed writer and illustrator Dr. Suess’ birthday.
Children and their parents took the opportunity to get to know Dr. Suess’ hilarious characters with hands-on activities and a juggling show.
The event was held at the Main Library, Saturday, March 5th with help from UCLA’s branch of Circle K, an international group sponsored by Kiwanis to connect students to community service opportunities.
“We are thrilled to be the lead sponsor in encouraging children to read and enjoy the world of literacy,” said Jessica Handy, president of Kiwanis Club-Santa Monica.
Much fun was to be had in the library’s auditorium when Michael Rayner performed his “Found Object Juggling Show” for kids and parents.
Rayner began modestly by asking for volunteers to bring up their shoes, balancing them on his nose. If he couldn’t maintain the balance for a count of 10, shouted loudly by the audience, he gave the child a dollar.
The entertainer worked his way up, amidst gasps and cheers, to balancing a wheelbarrow on his nose. His engaging performance got some kids running through the aisles giggling with laughter, adults enjoying the show as well.
Overall, the event, like Dr. Suess, brought joy to all involved.
“It’s so important to advocate literacy and this is such a great way to do it. Who doesn’t love Dr. Suess?” said librarian Christa Muscatine.
UCLA students helped children draw, cut and fold paper, and color their arts and crafts as well as hand out free copies of Dr. Suess’s books. Fun photos of the kids with the morning’s special guest, The Cat in the Hat, were also taken.
