Winston the Book Wolf!

[altivo]

The story session was a hit. Only a small number of kids, about 12 or 14 I think, but parents and grandparents were there too. The adults were very impressed with the fursuit and presentation, the kids were a bit young to appreciate it all but many did want to "pet" the wolf and some were afraid to get close.

It was hot! The space in the library that I chose was ideal for what we needed, but I forgot that late afternoon sun would be pouring in through a glass wall there. I survived, drippily but it didn't show.

Janet and I posed for photos afterward that may be made into a READ! poster (toes crossed.) I made ears for her and pinned them to her flowered hat, and she split the back of her long skirt so the tail I gave her showed nicely when she stood up at the end.

A nice change for a Wednesday, in any case. Photos by Friday, I hope.

Next project: spinning demos this weekend at McHenry County College.

Comments

[jenwolf.livejournal.com]

I wondered if you were going to be at the fiber fair this weekend. I'll be volunteering as a Market Concierge all three days. If you let me know where you'll be I'll try to stop by and say hello.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Hollow Tree Spinners. All I know about the location at the moment is "in the gymnasium" but I assume they'll have maps. I'm there from 3 to 6 pm on Saturday and 9 to noon on Sunday, unless more volunteers have signed up.

[jenwolf.livejournal.com]

Awesome. I have a morning shift as market concierge in the Atrium on Saturday, but I have the afternoon off so I can wander around.

[saythename.livejournal.com]

Nicely done!

I'm sure some kids where afraid, especially when a suit is
so crafted, but pets are a sure thing.

*pets you niiiiice!*

You may have induced a lust for books and reading, and dogs,
in those kids.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I hope it inspires some of them to read. I saw a statistic this week (not from a library source either) saying that the "average" US family has an income of $65K per year and spends $118 on reading. Literacy is really going down the tubes here. Contrast that with several thousand spend on "entertainment" which would include cable television, movies, etc. No wonder the newspapers and print media are going bankrupt.

[baphnedia.livejournal.com]

Cool! I can't think of what else to say, besides that its my bedtime. Bah! Curse my lack of concen- ooh kitty!

[schnee.livejournal.com]

I'll second his - I'm not sure what to say beyond "cool", but, well, it IS cool, so. :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Heh. Except for sweating like a non-canine and having my tail pulled. But it was fun. The adults all wanted to touch me.

[schnee.livejournal.com]

That's cool, too - it's always good to be able to help people get over their inhibitions and have a little fun. :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

It would have been nicer if it were cool. Last time I wore the wolf costume was at MFF in November. It was nice and comfy then. This was sweat city. ;p

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

That's one Wednesday that you can remember and enjoy. :D

Wish I could have come.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I'm stiff and sore this morning. Guess I was more acrobatic than I realized. XD

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

*rubs a cylde's shoulders* :)

I get the same when I start moving boxes around the store room. I do it so little these days that it hurts on the rare occasions I do.

[infl8ablewolf.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear it went well. Keep it up :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Always trying, and sometimes the experience is trying too. ;p

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

*petpets your wuffyness!*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*wag wags*

Ow! I think the kid that pulled my tail at the end sprained something for me...

[kaysho.livejournal.com]

I would be curious if anyone later remembers the story, or just the furry accompaniment. :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Most of the kids were almost too young to remember or pay much attention. Janet is good at it, though. She had the "No Wolves Allowed" sign at hand, and held it up each time the words were repeated, getting them all to say it along with her. After I was chased away right at the beginning, I slipped back in and sat on the floor at the back. The adults noticed me, most of the kids didn't. Their attention was mostly on Janet. So maybe?

(Photos in next post, BTW.)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Postscript:

Perhaps you're right. I heard from one of the grandmothers yesterday that she took her grandson to another story hour session at a neighboring library a week later and he asked "if the wolf was going to be there."

[animist.livejournal.com]

Good deal! :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Yep, it was good fun. I was surprised at the enthusiasm from some of the parents who showed, particularly the fathers. That was unexpected.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Hehe sounds like the wolf had the right affect :) Some kids will always hang back others will want to hug the big fuzzy. I always hung back :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I always hung back :)

And wisely so. You know what they say about cats and dogs...