“EXPEDITION READASAURUS”On Friday, March 11th, students from Phenix and JMJ were entertained by magical storyteller, Mark Daniel, as he took them on his latest adventure, Expedition: READasaurus! The stage at JMJ was decorated as a museum setting the scene for his performance that included storytelling, puppetry, magic tricks, and audience participation. Mr. Daniel opened with a brief history of Flat Stanley and the story, Flat Stanley in the Great Egyptian Grave Robbery. Anthony, a second grader, was chosen to be Flat Stanley. The audience really chuckled when Mark Daniel told about this book while placing an Egyptian crown on Anthony’s head and wrapping him up like a mummy. Next, the students were introduced to a puppet named Steggie the Stegosaurus. Mr. Daniel told the students that Steggie’s favorite book is Skippy Jon Jones and the Big Bones by Judy Shachner. Using Steggie, who is now wearing doggie ears, this book was acted out to the delight of the students. Suddenly a mysterious crate is delivered to the READasaurus Museum and its contents set the stage for Margery William's, The Velveteen Rabbit. When the crate is first opened, there is a stuffed rabbit in it. Mr. Daniel tells the story of The Velveteen Rabbit using this tiny stuffed rabbit. Casey, a fifth grader, was chosen from the audience to portray the fairy that appears out of the flower that grew where the velveteen rabbit’s tears had fallen. Casey wears fairy wings and carries a magic wand. The stuffed rabbit is placed back in the crate and the fairy (Casey) waves her magic wand over it. Suddenly the stuffed rabbit is gone and a beautiful Himalayan rabbit appears. Just like in the story, a stuffed rabbit is turned into a real rabbit. Our students really enjoyed Expedition READasaurus and now know how to go on their own expeditions. It all starts with a good book!