WESTMINSTER — Who’s hiding in the cave? Is there something scary lurking in the dark? And just what exactly is a Belly Button monster?
Children can find out more when storyteller Rona Leventhal brings her “Goblins & Giggles” program to Forbush Memorial Library on Friday, Oct. 16. The program will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Eloranta Room at the library, 118 Main St.
The lively storytelling performance, designed for children ages 5 to 8, promises a mix of silly, spooky, mysterious and monstrous tales — along with plenty of opportunities for young audience members to join in.
Leventhal will share stories that range from the humorous to the slightly frightening, including tales about a ghoul who simply wants to show how silly she can be, a boy who is afraid of red, red lips and a magical spell that can be used to get rid of a monster that comes to town. Children will also discover the secret behind getting rid of a Belly Button monster.
“I do love this program, ‘Goblins & Giggles,’” Leventhal said. “How can you resist that mix of tantalizing spookiness with silliness?! Lots of laughter and smiles! And seeing some of the kids in their costumes, too!”
The program is designed to give children just enough shivers without taking away from the fun. Leventhal invites her audience to tap their feet, sing along, laugh and perhaps even hug their seats as the stories unfold.
For Leventhal, however, the fun of storytelling goes beyond simply entertaining an audience.
“As far as why I love telling to families, there are so many wonderful things about listening to a story,” she said. “Perhaps the most important thing is it helps foster what I call the ‘Imagination muscle,’ which is such an important skill for both life and school!”
Leventhal describes storytelling as “Living Literacy” and “Theatre of the Imagination,” explaining that the storyteller brings literacy to life by embodying the story in front of the audience.
“And the kids (and adults!) become part of the story — not only in their imagination but also via participation,” she said.
As an educator, Leventhal also points to the many skills children develop simply by listening to a story being told.
“These include attention span, auditory and visual memory, sequencing, vocabulary, listening skills and so much more,” she said.
For more than 36 years, Leventhal has been entertaining audiences with an energetic storytelling style that combines dramatic voices, movement, songs and humor. Her repertoire includes multicultural folktales as well as original stories, and her performances encourage audience participation while creating a sense of community among listeners.
Families looking for a fun way to celebrate the spooky season can expect an hour of stories, laughter and just enough mystery to send young listeners home with a smile — and perhaps a story of their own to tell.
For more information or to register, visit the library’s calendar at forbushlibrary.org.
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