Storytime Magic at CLP Squirrel Hill: Guzheng, Moon Tales, and Happy Kids

Some storytimes feel special from the first note. On September 12, 2026, our last storytime at CLP Squirrel Hill was one such morning, filled with music, movement, moonlit legends, and joyful children.

Families gathered for a celebration inspired by the moon, Chinese folklore, and the joy of storytelling. We welcomed Chang’e, the Moon Fairy, enjoyed a live guzheng performance, read The Taste of the Moon, watched a mini-theater about Hou Yi shooting the suns, and made moon wind chimes to take home.

By the end, little voices were singing, little feet were dancing, and the room buzzed with the energy that reminds us why storytime matters.

A Joyful Morning of Music, Stories, and Imagination

The morning began with a sense of celebration. Children settled in with their families, curious about the moon decorations and the special guest. Our theme centered on the moon as a doorway into culture, rhythm, storytelling, and play. The children engaged actively, watching, moving, asking questions, and creating.

Chang’e, the Moon Fairy, Brought the Sound of the Guzheng

One memorable moment came when Chang’e shared the guzheng's gentle sound, transforming the room and allowing children to experience rhythm and melody with their whole bodies. Her presence made the performance part of the story world, enhancing the cultural connection through sound and play.

We Read The Taste of the Moon Together

After the music, we gathered for a shared reading of The Taste of the Moon, inviting children to wonder about the moon's taste and prompting them to think bigger and ask questions.

Hou Yi and Chang’e Came to Life in a Mini-Theater

The storytime shifted to a mini-theater about Hou Yi and Chang’e, making the legends accessible and allowing children to engage with the characters actively.

Moon Wind Chimes Turned the Story into a Tangible Memory

After the performances, children created moon wind chimes, reflecting the morning's themes and serving as a tangible memory of the stories and music.

The Children Sang, Danced, and Filled the Room with Joy

The heart of the event was the children, who sang, danced, and participated joyfully, reinforcing that stories can live in movement and community.

Why This Storytime Felt So Memorable

Several factors made this storytime stand out: variety in engagement, connection to a single theme, cultural richness, and an overarching sense of joy. CLP Squirrel Hill provided a space for families to celebrate stories together, making the magic unforgettable.

A Warm Thank-You to Everyone Who Joined Us

We are grateful to the families who joined us and helped make the morning a success. A special thank-you goes to everyone who prepared the stories, music, and crafts. Most importantly, thank you to the children, whose excitement turned the program into something bright and memorable.