The time-honored tradition of read-aloud storytelling to educate, entertain, and

engage children is nearing a milestone.Barnes & Noble, the country’s largest retail
bookseller, is approaching its one millionth kids’ Storytime since starting their
readings over three decades ago.To celebrate, they’re hosting special readings at
all 627 stores US-wide on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8. They’ll
include book-centric activities and book giveaways, while supplies last."It’s a
special milestone for us, and we’re celebrating with a weekend of wonderful
Storytimes for kids that will also evoke memories for adults who grew up with
readings at their local Barnes & Noble bookstore," said Stephanie Fryling, VP of
Merchandising, Children’s Books.Research proves that reading aloud to a young child
bolsters many areas of development. When parents, teachers and caregivers read to a
child, it fosters cognitive development, nurtures language skills, and prepares
kids for school, according to the U.S. Children’s Bureau, a federal child advocacy
agency. And we all know that bookstore readings have long been a way for stir-crazy
adults to get their kids out of the house and into a child-friendly, educational
environment.On Saturday, September 7 at 11am local time, booksellers in every store
will read a newly published book by the beloved Dr. Seuss, "The Horse Museum." This
fun story by one of the greatest children’s storytellers of all time takes kids on
a museum tour, with a horse as their guide. It’s all about creating and looking at
art. It will be exciting to experience this never-before-published book.On Sunday,
they’ll read music-legend Paul McCartney’s "Hey Grandude!" an action-packed picture
book about the fun adventures that grandkids and grandparents can have together.
Sunday is also National Grandparents Day, so it’s a nod to grandparents everywhere.
Grandparents bring your little ones!"It was important to mark this momentous
occasion with a special event," Fryling said. "One million is undoubtedly a
significant number to reach with anything. It’s an exciting time from which to look
forward and launch our next million Storytimes.""Our booksellers are the
centerpiece of the Storytime program," Fryling continues. "While we host a national
Storytime every Saturday at 11AM, stores frequently hold additional Storytimes
during the week with their community. At any given time, a bookseller can be found
reading new kids’ books to kids, parents, and caregivers, sharing their love of
reading with the next generation."For Mary Jane Leidal, a Children’s Lead at Barnes
& Noble in Shelby Township, Michigan, Storytimes have been core to her work for
over two decades. She appreciates that Storytime is often a first chance for young
children and families to be in a group setting focusing on books and
storytelling."For most of these young children, it’s the first exposure they have
to sit in a group setting and interact with other children," she says. "It’s a
wonderful place for families to gather. I’ve seen many friendships develop between
families as they visit and chat in our welcoming children’s area."For more
information about the One Millionth Storytime celebration, contact your local store
or connect on: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest at #BNStorytime.