What do stuffed animals do when you turn out the lights? Last week 22 stuffed animals attended the Stuffed Animal Sleepover program at the Columbia Public Library. After a special stuffed animal story time, kids tucked their stuffies into bed, gave them one last kiss goodnight and turned out the lights. All the stuffies promised to behave and go right to sleep.
We quickly learned while the kids are away, the stuffed animals will play.
Soon after the kids left, the stuffies begged for one last bedtime story. Thankfully Officer Stoer from the Columbia Police Department stopped by the library to read “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.”
After everyone left for the night and the doors were locked tight, the stuffed animals woke up and went on a treasure finding mission…and found all the Summer Reading supplies. (Luckily security cameras recorded all their antics.)
Fred Monkey found the chocolate pudding for Messy Time (May 24). He couldn’t find the can opener, so he improvised a messy time party for the stuffies. Glitter and glue were EVERYHWHERE. (Miss Dana was not amused.)
Princess Pea tested the Rovers for Circuit Science with Snap Rovers (June 6, 9 & 11). Stripey Yellow challenged Freddy to a race.
Easter Bunny heard that a live rabbit would be visiting with the magician Marty Hahne (June 30 and July 1), so the stuffies went on a search for magical clues in the Room of Requirement. In a dark corner, they found the Sorting Hat who invited them to the Science of Harry Potter (June 21). Before it disappeared, Freddy plopped it on his head and was assigned to Slytherin. Pegasus Pony dreamed she turned into a patronus.
Bowtie and Princess Pea broke into library director Melissa Carr’s office and changed the librarians’ dress code. From now on, all librarians must wear feather boas.
Lovie Lion gathered his friends to color the Travelling Athletes (June 9 & 10).
Zora showed the stuffies where all the giant games are stored and introduced Elsa, Pegasus Pony and Stuffy to the joys of dominoes.
Fluffy and Mavis played Giant Connect Four. They were having so much fun that they didn’t notice when someone had four in a row.
Rosie taught everyone how to play Go Fish. Chuck was one confused and angry bird. He was hungry and thought there would real fish.
Giraffe was confused about Life-Size Candy Land (August 8). When you’re a stuffie, Candy Land is already life-sized!
Sharkie and Katie Fish taught a class on water safety. Orca and Nemo tried to help but couldn’t quite fit in the pool.
Captain Sharkie and Peg Leg Moosie knows pirates will win during the Ninjas vs Pirates Ultimate Showdown (June 15).
Others practiced their musical skills in anticipation for Marching Band for Wee Ones (June 8).
Elsa and Stuffy read “The Thank You Book” by Mo Willems. They’re quite excited about the Elephant and Piggie Party (July 28 & 29).
Fluffy dreams of running relay races in the Summer Olympics in Rio this year. Stripey Cat was an excellent coach.
Bowtie loves to tap dance on bubble wrap. He put the Little Ones Dance Party on his calendar (July 8).
All the stuffies finally fell asleep on the whale chairs some time after midnight.
When Miss Sharon arrived the next morning, books and toys were everywhere. The stuffies decided to help make things nice again and help the librarians get ready for the day. Katie Fish found a book about her cousin “The Pout Pout Fish.” Horsie stood on his friends’ heads to reach books on the top shelf.
Alanna put carts of books in order. Freddy messed them up again.
Stuffy enjoyed helping Mr. Patrick process holds. Moosie liked taking the holds stickers off the books. Puppy insisted on being the top dog.
Mr. Patrick tried shelving holds. Pegasus Pony supervised.
Rosie says teamwork makes everything easier.
Chickie helped Miss Brandy practice for Toddler Storytime.
Mr. Mark orders all the children’s books at the library. Alanna thinks we need more pirate books. Elsa thinks we need more Bink and Gollie books. Fred wants a taco cookbook.
Lovie Lion roared with joy when he saw Miss Linda from Parents as Teachers. They talked about all the fun PAT programs like infant massages and family yoga. (Lions are expert yogis.)
Thanks to all the stuffies and families who participated in the stuffed animal sleepover. We hope to see everyone back soon for more fun programs at the library.