DUQUOIN, Ill. – Colorful sign after sign lined a walking trail in Keyes Park as Illinois Extension and the DuQuoin Public Library invited local pre-K children and their families to participate in a book walk.

The event was open to children and their families from Du Quoin Pre-K during their year-end picnic. The outdoor reading experience involved a deconstructed version of “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” a book about a giraffe who learns to move to his own rhythm written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees.

Each stop on the walk included a page from the beloved children’s book and a fun activity to get the whole family moving. The walk also showcased activities and resources from several Eat.Move.Save. curricula, designed to help families build a healthy lifestyle. The project is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture grant: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education.

Pre-K Teacher Christa Thompson was excited to see so many families interacting with the book walk.

“This is a great opportunity for our children and their families to participate in an outside activity that focuses on being physically active while building a passion for reading,” said Thompson.

The book walk will be on display at Keyes Park from May 27 to May 31 for others to enjoy. In collaboration with local libraries, parks, and partnerships, Illinois Extension will continue to host book walks throughout the summer months. Learn more about the Eat.Move.Save. program at eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu.

WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

SOURCE: Toni Kay Wright, SNAP-Ed Extension educator, tkwright@illinois.edu, (618) 993-3304

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.