Real Dog Joins Children For Special Story Reading

A basset hound named Molly and her human companion Cary Miller will present “The Dog Who Had Kittens” at the Children’s Corner Bookshop in River Park Square at 10 a.m. Thursday.

The story by Polly Robertus and illustrated by Janet Stevens tells of a basset hound named Baxter and his response to the family cat having kittens. The book received the 1994 Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award.

Besides hearing the story and meeting the dog, preschool and grade-school children will have a chance to ask questions about pet care. Molly will also be “signing” books with her own paw print stamp.

On Saturday at 10 a.m., the bookstore will offer an Earth Day presentation focusing on Native American stories and songs. Presenter Mary Hensold uses story and music to teach primary grade children “to appreciate nature on a soul level” and “find things in their lives worth celebrating,” she said. She will read from Byrd Baylor’s “I’m in Charge of Celebrations” and teach the audience a Native American chant featuring drum and voice.

Both of these events are free. For more information call 624-4820.