Views of the Neighborhood – StoryWalk in Lakeway

February 9, 2020 · by John W. Howell · in Views of the Neighborhood · 91 Comments

StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the tr,ail, you’re directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalks® have been installed in 50 states and 12 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea! They are always received with appreciation.

StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT
and has developed with the help of Rachel Senechal,
Kellogg-Hubbard Library.®

Lakeway has installed a StoryWalk® installation near the activity center where the Holiday light walk was during the holidays.

Views of the neighborhood

There is a sign pointing the way to the walk.

Views of the neighborhood

A sign to tell you to follow the path.

The title of the book is I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichenheld. It is a delightful book. Due to constraints on photo memory, I won’t picture each page, but if you are interested, there is a video at the end.

I wish you more ups than downs.

I wish you more tippy-toes than deep.

I wish you more hugs than ughs.

Here is a resting place.

An overall view of the trail beginning to give you an idea of the setup. I hope you enjoyed the little walk. The full story follows. Thank you

http://https://youtu.be/Y_U31UZQiE0

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, Views of the Neighborhood

91 comments

Sunshiny SA, Kavitha · February 9, 2020 - 4:15 am ·

That’s innovative and exciting for children and adults.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:51 am ·
  
  It is for sure.. Thank you for the visit, Kavitha.
  
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Gwen M. Plano · February 9, 2020 - 4:45 am ·

How clever! I love this!! Thank you for adding the audiobook. What a beautiful story! ♥

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:47 am ·
  
  I thought so too. Thank you, Gwen.
  
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kethuprofumo · February 9, 2020 - 5:19 am ·

Wonderful idea, dear John. I have never heard of it before. Such a smart way to attract people to enjoy reading! Thank you!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:46 am ·
  
  This is the first I have heard of it as well. Thank you, Maria.
  
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  1. kethuprofumo · February 9, 2020 - 9:57 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:10 pm ·
      
      😀
      
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Liz Gauffreau · February 9, 2020 - 5:26 am ·

What a wonderful idea! I’ll bet Jennie’s Aqua Roomers would love it.

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1. Jennie · February 9, 2020 - 7:40 am ·
  
  My head is already spinning as I must do this at school!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:43 am ·
    
    Contact the folks.
    
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    1. Jennie · February 9, 2020 - 8:45 am ·
      
      Will do!
      
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    2. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:47 am ·
      
      Just google Storywalk all the contact info is there.
      
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    3. Jennie · February 9, 2020 - 8:49 am ·
      
      Done! 👍
      
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  2. Liz Gauffreau · February 10, 2020 - 6:20 am ·
    
    😀 I’m not at all surprised!
    
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    1. Jennie · February 10, 2020 - 6:27 am ·
      
      🙂
      
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2. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:46 am ·
  
  They most certainly would, liz. 😁
  
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Writer Lori · February 9, 2020 - 5:41 am ·

I love this idea, John. Reading has brought me endless hours of joy. Love that youngsters are being introduced to its magic in this way. And the story is terrific!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:31 am ·
  
  I thought so too, Lori. I agree on the fact that it is a great way to introduce kids to the joy.
  
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robertawrites235681907 · February 9, 2020 - 5:58 am ·

This is wonderful, John. When I read your posts, I wish I lived in the US>

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:30 am ·
  
  The US would be proud to have you, Robbie. Your heart is in the UK I’m thinking. 😊
  
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  1. robertawrites235681907 · February 9, 2020 - 12:01 pm ·
    
    I love the historical and literary side of the UK, John, the museums, castles and homes of authors. I love the patriotism and love of country you have in the US. That is a really great thing.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:07 pm ·
      
      I hope yogurt to settle where you want to be for sure. I know SA has been a challenge.
      
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quiall · February 9, 2020 - 6:15 am ·

What an incredible idea to foster the love of books! I would take that walk.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:28 am ·
  
  THe walk was interesting. The fact that kids and parents do it together makes it all the more fun. Thank you, Pam.
  
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Charles Yallowitz · February 9, 2020 - 6:15 am ·

That’s a really cool idea. Wish they did it around here. It could get a lot of kids more interested in reading.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:27 am ·
  
  It sure could. Thanks, Charles.
  
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GP Cox · February 9, 2020 - 6:32 am ·

A neighborhood that advertises reading sure can’t be all bad, eh? 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:26 am ·
  
  I would say so too, GP. Thanks for the visit.
  
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Jill Weatherholt · February 9, 2020 - 6:40 am ·

I loved this, John! What a wonderful idea. Thanks so much for sharing. Enjoy your Sunday!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 7:25 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jill. 😁
  
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The Diary of a Country Bumpkin · February 9, 2020 - 7:36 am ·

Great idea.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:41 am ·
  
  Yes it is, Joe. Since you are a children’s book author it might be something to consider. Thanks for the visit.
  
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Jennie · February 9, 2020 - 7:39 am ·

I. LOVE. THIS! Every open space needs a story walk. Interestingly, author Amy Krause Rosenthal’s third book in her award winning trilogy has just been published (posthumously). I met the illustrator yesterday and will be posting about these books tomorrow. Thank you, John.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:42 am ·
  
  You can contact the original concept folks and they will set yu up for a book tour. (Laminated books)
  
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  1. Jennie · February 9, 2020 - 8:44 am ·
    
    Thank you, John!
    
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Darlene · February 9, 2020 - 7:50 am ·

How wonderful!! I love this.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:44 am ·
  
  Thanks, Darlene.
  
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tidalscribe · February 9, 2020 - 8:02 am ·

Getting children exercised and reading at the same time – excellent.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:45 am ·
  
  Yes it is, Janet. Thanks for the comment.
  
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rabirius · February 9, 2020 - 8:10 am ·

Excellent. I really like the idea.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 8:46 am ·
  
  It is a great idea for sure. Thanks, Rabirius.
  
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John Fioravanti · February 9, 2020 - 8:56 am ·

This is a great idea, John, thanks for sharing it!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:14 pm ·
  
  I could see the kids in Ontario this time of year. “Mommy I’m cold.” “Just keep reading eh?”
  
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Debbie · February 9, 2020 - 9:00 am ·

What a splendid idea! Combining the outdoors, exercise (well, sort of!), and books is a great way to strengthen the bonds between kids and adults while encouraging them to enjoy reading. And yes, I listened to the entire book!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:13 pm ·
  
  You are a good scout, Debbie. Thank you and have a great Sunday.😀
  
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Maggie · February 9, 2020 - 9:18 am ·

How inventive! What a great idea.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:13 pm ·
  
  I know right? Thank you, Maggie. 😊
  
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Teagan R. Geneviene · February 9, 2020 - 9:28 am ·

John, I’ve never heard of a story walk before. What a terrific concept. Your new community seems wonderful. Hugs to you and yours.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:12 pm ·
  
  It is quite a place for sure. Something for everyone. Thank you, Teagan
  
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Soooz · February 9, 2020 - 9:47 am ·

What a marvelous idea! My daughter is going to mention it at the next PTA meeting. Thanks so much for sharing this, John.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:11 pm ·
  
  My pleasure. Go to Google to get the details. Look up BookWalk
  
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2. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:11 pm ·
  
  Whoops. I meant StoryWalk
  
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Becky Ross Michael · February 9, 2020 - 10:15 am ·

Great idea! Thanks for sharing this with us, John!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:10 pm ·
  
  Thak you, Becky. 😀
  
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Dale · February 9, 2020 - 10:29 am ·

What a lovely idea! Thank you for sharing this enchanting place.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:09 pm ·
  
  Thank for being the sharee, Dale. 😁 (double meaning there)
  
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  1. Dale · February 9, 2020 - 12:12 pm ·
    
    Love it!!! 😘
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:18 pm ·
      
      ❤️
      
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Sorryless · February 9, 2020 - 11:01 am ·

Great way to get kids to immerse themselves in the adventures of reading. Well done Boss.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:08 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Marc. it really offers something for everyone. It is a thrill to see the kds run from one page to the next.
  
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  1. Sorryless · February 9, 2020 - 12:09 pm ·
    
    Great idea Boss. Thanks for sharing it.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:25 pm ·
      
      😊
      
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    2. Sorryless · February 9, 2020 - 12:40 pm ·
      
      🙂
      
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Dan Antion · February 9, 2020 - 11:04 am ·

That’s a great way to experience the outdoors and a good book. I love, “more tippy-toes than deep” – that’s a nice wish.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:08 pm ·
  
  It is a nice wish. Deep is not a good idea. Thanks, Dan
  
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The Coastal Crone · February 9, 2020 - 11:39 am ·

Never heard of a storywalk but I love it! It is like a treasure hunt.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:07 pm ·
  
  It is, Jo. Thank you.
  
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D.L. Finn, Author · February 9, 2020 - 12:10 pm ·

I like this idea:)

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:24 pm ·
  
  It is super, right? Thanks, Denise
  
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EvelynKrieger · February 9, 2020 - 12:37 pm ·

Hi John. Just discovered your blog via Jill Weatherholt’s interview. This summer, I enjoyed my first Story Walk in the local library where I go almost daily to write. I had no idea that this was a national project. It’s very touching to read Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s book. Her legacy lives on.

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 12:44 pm ·
  
  Thank you s much for the visit, Evelyn. Yes, she does live on and the StoryWalk initiative is also in several other countries. I appreciate your comment and hope you’ll come back.
  
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Billy Ray Chitwood · February 9, 2020 - 1:20 pm ·

D-E-L-I-G-H-T-F-U-L-! ♥♥♥

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 2:45 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Billy Ray
  
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  1. Billy Ray Chitwood · February 10, 2020 - 2:17 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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Jan Sikes · February 9, 2020 - 2:35 pm ·

What an innovative idea to get children outdoors AND reading! Thanks for sharing, John!

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2020 - 2:45 pm ·
  
  My pleasure, Jan. 😀
  
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coldhandboyack · February 9, 2020 - 7:19 pm ·

Cute idea.

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1. John W. Howell · February 10, 2020 - 7:53 am ·
  
  It is. (Thes two word comments crack me up.)
  
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jilldennison · February 10, 2020 - 1:45 am ·

What a beautiful idea!!! I wish you more hugs than ughs … such a perfect sentiment. I love this idea, John. I am going to look into possibly setting up one locally … thank you!

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1. John W. Howell · February 10, 2020 - 7:49 am ·
  
  Just Google StoryWalk and they have info on how to do it. Thanks, Jill
  
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  1. jilldennison · February 10, 2020 - 5:10 pm ·
    
    Awesome … thanks!
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 11, 2020 - 7:41 am ·
      
      Welcome.
      
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Fictionophile · February 10, 2020 - 6:29 am ·

What a wonderful way to encourage reading and physical activity at the same time! Love this!

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1. John W. Howell · February 10, 2020 - 7:34 am ·
  
  I thought you would, Lynne. Thank you for letting me know. 😁
  
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Teri Polen · February 10, 2020 - 9:10 am ·

I haven’t heard of Story Walks, but absolutely love this idea. This is something I would have done with my sons when they were younger.

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1. John W. Howell · February 10, 2020 - 3:10 pm ·
  
  It is fun. They woud have liked it I’m sure.
  
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patriciaruthsusan · February 11, 2020 - 8:23 am ·

How lovely, John. Good pictures. 🙂 — Suzanne

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1. John W. Howell · February 11, 2020 - 3:34 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Suzanne.
  
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Rhonda · February 11, 2020 - 8:45 pm ·

What fun!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2020 - 7:44 am ·
  
  Thank you, Rhonda.
  
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