Programs designed to promote the joy of reading and encourage families to create literature-rich home environments.
About the Program
Every parent wants to see their child succeed and reading together at home is an important place to start. Book Voyagers programs are designed to promote the joy of reading and encourage families to create literature-rich home environments. Our experienced program facilitators work with libraries, schools and other community organizations to help parents and children build reading skills and bring stories to life. We use a variety of different program formats, including discussion circles, storytelling, and interactive workshops to immerse the whole family in compelling learning experiences. Hands on activities, like dramatic readings, theater games and writing and drawing exercises offer new ways for participants to connect with the written word. Book Voyagers helps families grow their home libraries, as participants receive copies of each book to keep and enjoy again and again for even more reading fun!
Book Voyagers encourages a love of literature, promotes critical thinking, and gives children the self-confidence to share their thoughts and opinions with others. Let Book Voyagers spark curiosity in your community!
Contact Book VoyagersTestimonials from Book Voyagers Programs
“The Book Voyagers experience was excellent in every way. The children were engaged, the presenter offered storytelling and projects that were age appropriate and well received. We are anxious to offer the next session! Thank you!”
“Book Voyagers is an excellent program and opportunity for children to discuss books with a professional facilitator. The literature choices were totally appropriate for the age and interest of the participants. Thank you very much for making this program available for a reasonable price.”
“Thank you for an outstanding storytelling adventure. I thank CT Humanities for making Tellabration possible at our library.”
”Book Voyagers helps kids to think about stories and pay attention to the details of the illustrations in the books. This can help make reading more fun!”
“The program was out of the ordinary – it inspired creativity!”
4-Part Discussion Series
For Families/Children Grades 1-3
Bee Cool
It’s hard to feel different, especially when it makes us feel lonely or misunderstood. In these four books we meet a variety of characters who struggle with trying to fit in while staying true to themselves. Each story is unique, yet all help us realize that self-acceptance comes more easily when friends reach out with kindness and understanding.
- A Piece of Home (Jeri Watts)
- The Ugly Vegetables (Lin Grace)
- Bee-Wigged (Cece Bell)
- The Cool Bean (Jory John)
Believe in Yourself
Sometimes it is hard to appreciate ourselves for who we are and appreciate what it is that makes us unique. Join us to share and discuss four books where we see a variety of ways others have learned to overcome obstacles and believe in themselves!
- Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Going Places (Paul Reynolds)
- Cloudette (Tom Lichenfeld)
- More-igami (Dori Kleber)
Connect, Create & Celebrate Community
Humans are made to live and work with others in a community where we can thrive. We are social beings that have evolved to exist within communities. Our first communities are our family where we develop a sense of social relationships that then expand to the outside world. Explore the importance of being emotionally connected by reading and sharing these four stories.
- The One Day House (Julie Durango)
- Hey Wall (Susan Verde)
- Marvelous Cornelius (Phil Bildner)
- Strictly No Elephants (Lisa Mantchev)
Growing Green
When you look around, do you see things that are green and growing? And if not, can you see the possibilities? Read these inspiring stories of how to grow hope and community together!
- From Seed to Plant (Gail Gibbons)
- In the Garden with Dr. Carver (Susan Grigsby)
- The Tree Lady (H. Joseph Hopkins)
- The Great Kapok The (Lynn Cherry)
Picture This Cuento / Imagina Este Story – Bilingual series
Join us for a joyful celebration of the many ways people communicate with one another such as with pictures, gestures, and spoken and written language. These four delightfully illustrated books provide the opportunity for participants to focus on communication.
- Margaret and Margarita / Margarita y Margaret (Lynn Reiser)
- Abuelo and the Three Bears / Abuelo y los Tres Osos (Jerry Tello)
- The Bossy Gallito / El gallo de boda (Lucia M. Gonzalez)
- Finding Home/Buscando el Hogar (Estell Meza)
Tales from around the World
Tales from Around the World
Folktales have endured for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. They are fun to read, but more importantly they help us understand the world around us and gain insight into ourselves. They play a role in sharing a common history, reinforcing cultural values, and highlighting important traditions. Folktales also help us understand other cultures, gain new perspectives, and hopefully see how much we have in common.
- Strega Nona (Tomis dePaola)
- The Paper Crane (Molly Bang)
- Zomo the Rabbit (Verna Aarverna)
- Interrupting Chicken (David Ezra Stein)
Rise with Resilience: From Struggle to Strength
It is inevitable – Life is not always easy. How we manage difficulties, and stress depends on our individual resilience. What is “resilience” and where does it come from? Resilience is the ability to bounce back, be flexible, cope, make changes, or manage the obstacles or experiences that challenge us. Let’s read and discuss these four books to see if we can increase our resilience together!
- Maddi’s Fridge (Lois Brandt)
- Soccer Star (Mina Javaherbin)
- Dreamers (Yuyo Morales)
- A Chair for My Mother (Vera Williams)
Workshops & Events
In addition to book discussion programs, Connecticut Humanities helps bring special events to communities across the state. From multi-cultural storytellers to cartooning workshops, these special programs help children and families to engage with literature and culture in creative ways and from new perspectives. A wide variety of formats accommodates all types of learners. CT Humanities funding brings these experiences to you at discounted rates!
Don’t see what you are looking for – then contact us to discuss your ideas!
Contact Book VoyagersOptions include:
- Author visits
- Cartooning Workshops
- Graphic novel programs
- Photo / book workshops
- Storytellers
- Theme-based musical programs
- Theatrical Performances
- Writing and Illustrating workshops
How it Works
Through the generous support of federal and local funding, Connecticut Humanities covers the majority of program costs including facilitator honoraria and travel, books, resource supplies, and publicity materials (flyers and bookmarks).
Host sites are responsible for a modest cost-share payment to help defray program expenses.
- $200 for a four-part series (4 one-hour sessions)
- $50 for a one-session program
- $75 – $150 is the average range for Workshops and Events
*Non-profit 501(c)3 organizations and municipalities are eligible to apply. Depending on the funding source, restrictions may apply. Note: a cost share, ranging from $50 to $200 is required.
Book Voyager Facilitators
Our Book Voyagers facilitators are passionate about reading and eager to share that excitement with your community! These dedicated educators come from a variety of backgrounds and always go the extra mile to make each session rewarding and inspiring. All Book Voyagers facilitators are literature experts dedicated to helping you and your family make reading and talking about books fun and meaningful. Each facilitator uses their own unique talents to create a welcoming and engaging environment especially for you and abilities include bilingual (Spanish), artistic, theatrical experience and skill in working with diverse ages and populations.
Funding Partners
Federal and state dollars and funding from generous sponsors and donors like you, allow Connecticut Humanities to offer Book Voyagers to libraries, schools and community organizations across the state. Our thanks go out to the following organizations!
Previous Funders
Book Voyagers Requests
We are currently accepting requests for WINTER/SPRING 2024. Requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are dependent on grant funding.
For more information, contact:
Susan Muro
Phone: (860) 937-6542
Email: smuro@cthumanities.org
