Read a children’s book while you enjoy a nature walk at several Wake County Park locations. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Visit all our StoryWalks®!
American Tobacco Trail
December StoryWalk®: Winter Dance
From December 6-31, visit the American Tobacco Trail StoryWalk®, "Winter Dance," written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Richard Jones.
Follow the journey of a curious fox as they speak with their forest friends to find out what they should do to prepare for the colder weather. From the tiny woolly bear caterpillar to the swift snowshoe hare, each animal has different advice for the fox, but none seem quite right, until one critter has a unique idea...
This month's walk begins at the White Oak trailhead (1305 White Oak Church Rd.) near the wooden kiosk and go south along the trail.
Beech Bluff County Park
November StoryWalk®: We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
From November 1–27, visit the brand new Beech Bluff StoryWalk®, "We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga," written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac.
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences.
Pages are posted along our Educational Trail, which begins to the left of the Park Center and ends near the Canopy Walk.
December StoryWalk®: The Snowy Day
From December 1–27, visit the brand new Beech Bluff StoryWalk®, "The Snowy Day," written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats.
The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in this classic seasonal board book celebrated by generations of readers.
Pages are posted along our Educational Trail, which begins to the left of the Park Center and ends near the Canopy Walk.
Crowder County Park
November StoryWalk®: The Leaves Go Crunch Crunch
From November 4-30, visit Crowder's new StoryWalk®, "The Leaves Go Crunch Crunch," written and illustrated by Flora Carla Caputo.
Leaving leaves behind isn't messy, it's magical! This playful book shows kids how fallen leaves create a haven for butterflies, bumble bees, beetles, and all sorts of backyard buddies. With vibrant illustrations and playful-sounding words, "The Leaves Go Crunch Crunch" ignites a love for the natural world in young readers.
December StoryWalk®: Snowmen at Night
From December 4-31, visit Crowder's new StoryWalk®, "Snowmen at Night," written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner.
Enjoy this rhyming tale about a boy who wonders why his snowman looks different in the morning, leading him to imagine the secret life of snowmen who gather to skate, play baseball, drink "ice-cold cocoa," and have snowball fights.
Pages are posted along the Outer Loop Trail, starting at the large playground.
Historic Oak View County Park
November StoryWalk®: Finding My Dance
From November 1-30, Oak View's brick walkways will feature the children's book "Finding My Dance," written by Ria Thundercloud and illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller.
At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, she danced with her brothers all over Indian country. Then Ria learned more styles–tap, jazz, ballet–but still loved the expressiveness of Indigenous dance. And despite feeling different as one of the only Native American kids in her school, she always knew she could turn to dance to cheer herself up.
Follow along as Ria shares her dance journey–from dreaming of her future to performing as a professional–accompanied by striking illustrations that depict it while bringing her graceful movements to life.
December StoryWalk®: Soulful Holidays
Take a StoryWalk® at Oak View! From December 1st-31st, Oak View's brick walkways will feature the children's book "Soulful Holidays: An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa" written by Ciara Hill and illustrated by Christian Krabbe.
Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! This dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.
StoryWalk® Social Narrative
StoryWalk® at Oak View is free, requires no advance registration, and is open during the park's normal hours of operation. Check out our StoryWalk® Social Narrative, to download and print before going to the park.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Harris Lake County Park
November StoryWalk®: Mushroom Rain
From November 1-30, visit the StoryWalk®, "Mushroom Rain," written by Laura K. Zimmermann and illustrated by Jaime Green.
Come delve into the wonderful, vibrant, and often mysterious world of mushrooms. With so many colors, shapes, sizes, and even smells, fungi are some of the most diverse and unique organisms, and you can find them in (or under) your backyard! In this elegantly illustrated book, you'll learn about their life cycle, ecological importance, and how they help to create rain! After reading Mushroom Rain, you'll certainly be a fun-gi (or gal)!
This month's StoryWalk® can be found on the paved trail around the Educational Garden and Natural Play Area.
Historic Yates Mill County Park
November StoryWalk®: Apple Cake
From November 4–30, visit the brand new Yates Mill StoryWalk®, "Apple Cake," written by Dawn Casey and illustrated by Genevieve Godbout.
In this simple rhyming story, a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides, from hazelnuts in the hedge to apples from the tree, eggs from the hens to milk from the cow. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special…a delicious apple cake!
December StoryWalk®: Winter Dance
From December 4–31, visit the brand new Yates Mill StoryWalk®, "Winter Dance," written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Richard Jones.
Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise—yet it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.
Turnipseed Nature Preserve
November StoryWalk®: We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
From November 1–30, visit this month's Turnipseed Nature Preserve StoryWalk®, "We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga," written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac.
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences.
Pages are posted along our Educational Trail, which begins to the left of the Park Center and ends near the Canopy Walk.