Kids dive into summer reading program at Boardman Library

Related story: Author Moore reflects on childhood influences

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Michael Hvizdos, 7, of North Lima gets an autograph Wednesday from childrenÕs author and illustrator Cyd Moore at the Boardman Library. Moore spoke about her life and artwork to kick off the public libraryÕs summer reading program..

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Melissa Cherne of Boardman and her children, Morgan, 7, and Tyler, 4, pick out books illustrated by Cyd Moore. The family is a fan of MooreÕs ÒI Love You, Stinky FaceÓ book..

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Best friends Emily Choleva, 5, and Kira Vasko, 5, both of Boardman, sit rapt with attention at the summer program at the Boardman Library.

By Ashley Luthern

aluthern@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Morgan Cherne could hardly believe her luck when she won her choice of a book illustrated by Cyd Moore.

“They have lots of good pictures, and I chose ‘Happy Halloween, Stinky Face’ because I like Halloween,” said the 7-year-old from Boardman.

Morgan, her brother Tyler Cherne, 4, and their mom, Melissa Cherne, joined more than 120 people at the Boardman Library on Wednesday for the summer reading kickoff event with Moore.

Moore is a children’s book author and illustrator known for her popular “Stinky Face” series, including “I Love You, Stinky Face.”

“We love Cyd Moore,” said Melissa Cherne of Boardman. “The books are colorful and expressive. ... The kids can look at the pictures and make up their own story.”

Moore entertained the crowd with tales of her childhood in Georgia and demonstrations of her drawings, showing her progress from crayon drawings at 5 years old to painted pages now.

“She was a great storyteller,” said Kim Hvizdos of North Lima. Her son Michael, 7, added that he liked when Moore told a story about her brothers’ adventures with a homemade zip line.

More than 2,400 children already have registered for the summer reading program, “Make a Splash: Read,” said Josephine Nolfi, manager of children’s services for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

“It’s been documented that kids who don’t continue [reading] in summertime actually lose some of their reading skills,” Nolfi said.

“They’re behind and can’t catch up. ... We offer a program where kids can select whatever they want to read, something that motivates them to keep reading.”

Participants are asked to keep a log of how many minutes they read and receive prizes at two, four and eight hours completed. Children still can register for the program by going to any library branch and asking a staff member for a reader log, Nolfi said. If a child does not have a library card, then a parent must come with him or her.

“There are so many fun activities that we hope kids take advantage of this free entertainment because they’re learning while they do,” Nolfi said.