A summer-long celebration of children's books is off to a great start again this year.
Storytime in the Park returned to Pioneer Park in Agassiz on Wednesday, July 3. More than 300 people attended this year's opening event, to see Canadian artist, author and musician Penny Pom Pom – along with Fae the Garden Fairy – read her book.
Penny Pom Pom is the stage name of Jessica Mai. Mai's book was the featured book for the first week, called "Penny Pom Pom: A Hug From Mother Earth."
Mai is a Langely-based artist who got her start writing children's songs in 2019. Her debut album, the self-produced "Believe In Your Magic," was released in August 2020 and was subsequently nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award the following year.
In 2021, she starred in a 10-episode web series called The Penny Pom Pom Show. She remained active on her YouTube channel, with her most recent video posted four months ago.
Storytime in the Park runs every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from July 3 to Aug. 21; registration for each event starts at 10 a.m. The July 10 qnd 17 events will be at Pioneer Park. On July 24, Storytime moves indoors at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (6660 Pioneer Avenue in Agassiz). On July 31, Storytime in the Park comes to the Seabird Island community on July 31. Finally, Storytime comes to Harrison Hot Springs Elementary (501 Hot Springs Road) on Aug. 14 and 21.
Storytime in the Park started in Hope but quickly grew popular in Agassiz, Seabird Island and Harrison Hot Springs.