A book at bedtime in the outdoors—what could be better on a summer evening? Come join us for a new Pajama Story Time series in our outdoor classroom at Gilsland Farm. Maine artists/authors will join us on three Thursday evenings in July, from 5:30 – 7 pm, to play, read, and sign their books. Each event ($5 per family) will begin with some free play and art creation, then story time, followed by book signing and exploration. Feel free to wear your PJs!
JULY 6
“Some sleep in the day, some sleep at night.”
Where do you Sleep? by Marie Miller is a singable picture book about the sleeping habits of six single-syllable animals (can you guess which ones?) targeting expressive and receptive language skills, and beginning literacy. The book is beautifully illustrated by Erika Parker Rogers.
Marie will be singing the book and signing the animals in American Sign Language for our program. She says, “I am a lover of all animals and especially enjoy birdwatching and photographing the great variety that come to my yard. My favorite bird is the Tufted Titmouse.”
Marie is a board-certified neurologic music therapist and owner of Rhythm and Strings Music Therapy, LLC, in Southern Maine. She is passionate about creating rhythm-based resources that help children build skills in the areas of speech, language, motor planning, and academic sensory regulation. She loves to develop and implement teaching methods that make learning fun, engaging, and effective.
Marie creates multisensory learning experiences that combine music, visuals, and movements to increase engagement and enhance learning. She has written more than 100 children’s songs that target specific developmental goals. This book is one of those songs!
JULY 13
“In a hole, in a tree, there is a nest.”
Oh, Chickadee! takes you through a chickadee year, from a springtime egg in a nest to a summer chick hatching and learning to fly, to a fall fledgling foraging. With winter comes survival tips, and by spring a new nest is made. The illustrator Jamie Hogan is an award-winning artist who lives three miles out to sea. She says, “My favorite pajama bottoms feature constellations, which is a comfy way to learn them, while I dream about flying like a chickadee!” She’ll be reading her books and looks forward to doing some art with attendees during this program.
Jamie illustrated Oh, Chickadee! by Jennifer Ricahrd Jacobson in 2023, authored and illustrated Skywatcher in 2021, and has illustrated the environmental mystery series of Oxbow Island Gang chapter books by Rae Chalmers, as well as Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins, now a motion picture. She’s a big fan of staying in her pajamas as long as possible, and is grateful to experience the raw beauty of Maine each and every day.
JULY 20
“Catch the current of a bird’s wing. Dance with hope into open skies.”
Catching Flight features ten birds taking on the day, from a Yellow Warbler greeting sunrise through to a Saw-whet Owl embracing a chilly night. Author and illustrator Rebekah Lowell will read her book and talk about making art inspired by nature. She says, “I love pajamas that feel comfy and cozy. If they have birds or butterflies on them, even better!”
Rebekah is an award-winning author/illustrator with a curiosity for nature. Her childhood, filled with wildflowers, finds its way into her work. A survivor of domestic abuse, she is passionate about resiliency, freedom, and hope. She is also the author of a middle-grade book, The Road to After. When not in her studio, you can find her outside—birding, gardening, nature journaling, rescuing birds for Avian Haven, and raising butterflies—often with her daughters, who she homeschools. Rebekah has a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Children’s Literature and Illustration from Hollins University.
