FAMILY CORNER

WHEN READING AND NATURE UNITE

TAKE IN THE OUTDOORS WITH A CADL-HOSTED STORYWALK

BY MARISELA GARZA, YOUTH SERVICES SPECIALIST AT CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARIES AND CO-HOST OF THE READER’S ROUNDTABLE PODCAST

With the challenges of the 2020-2021 school year coming to an end, parents and students can breathe a sigh of relief along with some of that fresh summer air. A relaxing break from school year schedules and commitments has never been so welcome.

Summer break brings a great opportunity to get the family outside to enjoy some of the many beautiful parks and hiking trails in our area. According to the Ingham County Parks website, more than 1,200 acres of outstanding Ingham County parkland are devoted to sports and recreation. That’s in addition to all the city parks, nature centers and outdoor community sites available to us.

A unique way to enjoy some of these sites is to participate in the StoryWalks hosted by Capital Area District Libraries. These are walking paths that feature the pages of a children’s picture book posted at intervals, so families can read a whole story as they walk along.

While the stories are lively and interesting on their own, that’s not the only benefit. The signs also encourage walkers to do fun activities as they move from station to station. Jumping, twirling, marching, singing — not only do these actions help make the story more exciting, they are a great way to get exercise while enjoying the outdoors together.

The concept originated in Vermont as a way to promote outdoor reading, health, exercise and movement. It was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the KelloggHubbard Library.

The first local StoryWalk debuted in 2016, opening in Meridian Township’s Orlando Park. The number has since grown to include 12 different locations across Ingham County, supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library of Michigan. Check out the list at cadl.org/storywalk. Then lace up your shoes, grab the kids and get started on a well-deserved summer of fun.

cool pets

THE MIGHTY CHIHUAHUA

These feisty little pups unfortunately are often purchased as accessory dogs before ending up in animal shelters because of the level of care and attention they need. If you are considering bringing one into your home, know that Chihuahuas typically weigh about 6 pounds but have big personalities. Don’t be fooled by their size. According to dogtime.com, they are among the top 10 watchdogs recommended by experts. They love their humans and require minimal grooming and limited exercise. Keep in mind, these great little companions come with great responsibility.

craft idea

ADORABLE TEACUP BIRD FEEDER

THIS MIGHT BE THE EASIEST AND CUTEST CRAFT YOU’VE MADE.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Teacup and saucer. Grab one from home or visit your favorite local resale or thrift shop. • Craft glue. Make sure you find one that works with ceramic; a product like E-6000 works well. • Twine, chain, or extra-thin rope or cord to use for hanging.

WHAT TO DO:

• Glue the saucer and cup together, with the cup angled like the photo to make seeds appear as if they are pouring out of the cup.

Sometimes it helps to use painters or masking tape to hold the cup in place while it dries. • Once your teacup and saucer glue is fully dry (about 24 hours), wrap your hanging material (twine, cord or chain) around the handle and run it the length you prefer before knotting. • Hang from your favorite branch and add seeds.

recipe EASY CUCUMBER TUNA SALAD RECIPE

INGREDIENTS 2 HEADS OF ROMAINE LETTUCE, WASHED AND TORN 1 CUCUMBER, CHOPPED ¾ OF A SMALL ONION, FINELY CHOPPED 1 CAN OF TUNA, DRAINED WELL ½ CUP OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS 1 CUP OF CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED ½ CUP OF ITALIAN OR RANCH DRESSING (OR A ¼ CUP OF EACH) OPTIONAL: ½ CUP OF SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE OR BLUE CHEESE CRUMBLES

WHAT TO DO: MIX THE CHOPPED LETTUCE WITH ABOUT HALF OF YOUR DRESSING, SET ASIDE. PUT THE DRAINED TUNA IN A BOWL AND MIX WITH THE REMAINING DRESSING AND ONIONS. TOSS IN THE TUNA MIXTURE WITH THE LETTUCE. TOP WITH TOMATOES, SUNFLOWER SEEDS AND CUCUMBERS AND GENTLY TOSS. SPRINKLE WITH CHEESE FOR ADDITIONAL TASTE AND COLOR.

SERVES 2-4.