Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in Grades Kindergarten – 2. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back by Howard Binkow and Rev. Ana.
The children listened intently as they heard about how Howard B. Wigglebottom kept making wrong choices throughout the day. When confronted with a situation, Mr. Wigglebottom would always lie because he didn’t want to get in trouble. After the story was told, the students had a very lively discussion about the importance of being truthful.
The children then made sock puppets and reenacted stories that they created about characters who were either lying or telling the truth. Together, we had to determine whether the person in the story was being truthful or lying. It was such a beautiful time watching the children work together to create stories and help each other with their puppets and making their stages.
They were so happy to receive a copy of the book so they can read it at home to their parents and their siblings.