By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Some of the library’s littlest patrons got a real treat this week when Johnette Downing came to St. John the Baptist Parish’s public libraries to share her child-friendly brand of music and storytelling.

Downing, a former teacher at John L. Ory Magnet School, is a prolific children’s author, typically writing stories that intertwine morals and the culture, traditions and scenery of Louisiana.

But her performance at the LaPlace branch of the library system Wednesday was anything but typical storytime.

Downing led the group of youngsters through a series of interactive songs and dances that kept the children active both mentally and physically. Her ability to reach to their level kept most of the audience enraptured for the hour-long show, and the generous sprinkling of humor didn’t hurt matters any.

Packed with messages about being oneself and other confidence-building exercises, the children came away from the session humming the songs and, hopefully, remembering the messages. Certainly, the scores who clamored to buy one of Downing’s CDs or books after the show will have no trouble remembering the experience.

Chances are, the parents will not soon forget the smiles on their childrens’ faces, either.

The library’s Summer Reading Program concludes next week, when the featured performer will be magician Trigg Burrage. Saturday, July 31, is the last day program participants can turn in their reading logs.

For more information on the library and its programs, call 985-652-6857. For more information on Johnette Downing, visit www.johnettedowning.com.