It’s a Beautiful Day Statue
It’s a Beautiful Day is one of five bronze statues in downtown Stillwater created by the artist Bronzeman.
Look at this picture! The photo was taken over 65 years ago, before tablets and smartphones existed. It shows Stillwater’s first library at Sixth Street and Husband.
Today, the building is being transformed into a hotel inspired by books and reading. Would you like to stay in a hotel inspired by an old library?
To learn more about Stillwater History visit the Stillwater History Museum. On the corner of 7th and Duncan.
P = PRETEND: Imagine you are friends with this girl; point out all the colorful murals around you and tell her what you see.
L = LAUGH: Think of a silly place for reading a book, like the bottom of the ocean!
A = ASK: What do you think this statue is made of? Which parts look like they were hard to sculpt?
Y = YAY: On the count of three, shout out the name of your favorite book!
"I Spy" is a great activity for children of all ages. here are some ideas of things to find!
o I spy knees! How many? What other body parts can you find?
o Do you see hair? How is her hair fixed?
o What book do you think the girl is reading? What’s your favorite book?
o Why do you think she is on her tummy?
Watch your baby to see what draws their attention first. Talk about what they notice. “What does she have in her hands? She is reading a book! We read books together!”
Talk about a favorite book you have read together.
Point to and name the girl’s eyes, nose, hair, and other features. Then point to and name your baby’s features as well.
Is your child interested in a particular part of the statue? Talk about what catches their attention first.
Touch the book and ask, “What book do you think she is reading?” You might also ask, “Would you like to take a book outside and read together?”
Introduce the word “statue.” Talk about the different textures you notice, such as smooth, rough, hard, or soft.
Can you freeze like the statue? Count to three and see how long you can hold still.
What face would this little girl make if the book she is reading is a funny book? What face would she make if it’s scary? What about a sad story? Continue with all of the emotions you might feel while reading.
Name the funniest book you have read together, and the saddest. What makes the book funny or sad?
Expand the playful learning experience with the Stillwater Public Library. The library has created an Early Literacy activity backpack that can be checked out and taken home. Visit the library or place a hold on the backpack.
Click here to see all the Let’s PLAY early literacy backpacks