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Storytime at the Marston Returns
May/June 2024
It’s time to meet again with little ones under the old oak tree for Storytime at the Marston on Monday mornings in June and July!
SOHO is pleased to announce our second year of hosting Storytime at the Marston, a complimentary outdoor activity for families with young children set amidst a delightful backdrop of the colorful, peaceful Marston House gardens.
George Marston played a role in the establishment of the San Diego Library in 1882, and he and his family were avid readers. He and his wife Anna regularly read to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the cozy library of the Marston House.
SOHO is continuing the Marston tradition with our youngest museum guests. Beginning June 3, 2024 we invite you and your little companion to join us each Monday through July 29 under the old oak tree for 30 minutes of educational storytelling about history, historic places, architecture, and historic preservation. We expect that Peter, our resident, though somewhat elusive cottontail rabbit, and his lively friends, the squirrels and the butterflies, will also come by.
We encourage children ages 2 through 5 to participate, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Storytime at the Marston is free and open to the public, thanks in part to support from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Donations are welcome.
SOHO staff and guest readers will take you and yours on a journey through old and new classic books such as A House in the Woods by Inga Moore, Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter by Linda Elovitz, The House on Maple Street by Bonnie Pryor, Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beatty, and The Three Little Pigs: an Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia. See more titles and descriptions at the end of this article.
Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to introduce your little loved ones to historic homes, architecture, and families to create lasting memories in one of San Diego’s most magical environments. See you at the Marston beginning Monday, June 3, and every Monday morning through July!
Storytime details
- Every Monday, June 3 through July 29, 11:30am-noon, weather permitting.
- Ages 2 through 5, with an adult
- Space is limited. Attendees must register in advance. This also helps us notify you in case of unanticipated cancellation.
- Event takes place in an open garden area with some tree shade, and sun protection is advised.
- Feel free to bring a picnic snack or lunch to enjoy after the program on our beautiful museum grounds.
- Storytime at the Marston is free and open to all, thanks in part to support from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Donations are welcome.
Tips and guidelines
We understand that children can be unpredictable, so here are some tips and guidelines to ensure a successful experience for all. Please remember: This is not a drop-off program, and children attending Storytime at the Marson must be accompanied by an adult. If your child is crying or having a difficult time, we ask that you take them aside so as not to disturb the others.
Cell phones are fine for taking pictures during storytime, but not for talking or texting. Please enjoy your food after storytime and take all refuse with you.
Due to inclement weather, the program may be canceled without advance notice. To confirm on the day of the event if the weather looks questionable, please call (619) 297-9327 or contact us at SOHOsandiego@aol.com
Books we'll read in our Storytime series
- Beautiful Useful Things: What William Morris Made by Beth Kephart, illustrated by Melodie Stacey. William Morris is best known for his colorful textile and wallpaper designs inspired by the English forests where he was raised. This leader of the English Arts and Crafts movement was also a poet, a painter, a preservationist, and an environmentalist who made beautiful, useful things—like books!
- A House that Once Was by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Lane Smith. This poetic story follows two children who discover an abandoned house and wonder about all the stories hidden inside. Through beautiful illustrations and emotional writing, this story sparks care and curiosity for old places.
- The Gardener by Sarah Stewart. Little Lydia Grace shows her love for her gruff uncle through her extraordinary talent for growing things. The story provides a great lesson for children that giving time and talent can be more powerful than money.
- The Library by Sarah Stewart is about a reader/collector who left her books to the town to provide a free library.
- Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beatty. Wee Iggy Peck has a fabulous imagination, he can build anything from anything. After all, “he built a great tower in only an hour with nothing but diapers and glue!”
- The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl. Leo and his dad love their blue house, despite its flaws. Astute readers will discover clues in the illustrations that the neighborhood is changing.
- Noticing by Kobi Yamada encourages readers to notice the little things, the grand big things, and the imaginary, sometimes hidden things. It's also a tale about embracing what's possible.
- Hundred-Year Barn by Patricia MacLachlan. A landmark, century-old red barn becomes a symbol of peace, stability, caring, and community.
- The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia. Follow the classic three little pigs, but these are not your regular porcine homebuilders. Their homes represent the work of Frank Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Philip Johnson!
- Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter by Linda Elovitz Marshal. The beloved author and artist bought acres and acres of untamed land and farms to preserve the English countryside that both she and Peter Rabbit so cherished. Because of her efforts, huge swaths of open land remain in their natural state, just as she wanted. This beautiful picture book shines a light on Potter's lesser-known legacy and her desire to serve the greater good.
- The House on Maple Street by Bonnie Pryor tells the story of our changing landscape and how communities emerged from native lands to become farms and towns.
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