Lists of Stories and Programs for Story Hours

by Unknown

"Lists of Stories and Programs for Story Hours" by Effie Power is a collection of guidelines and curated narratives designed for storytelling sessions aimed at children, written in the early 20th century. This revised edition compiles material originally published by the St. Louis Public Library, focusing primarily on engaging young audiences with a variety of stories ranging from classic fairy tales to noteworthy literary selections. The book serves as a practical resource for librarians, educators, and parents, offering structured outlines and themed story suggestions for different age groups. The opening of this work provides essential context through a foreword, explaining its purpose and background. Effie Power outlines the contents and organization of the text, emphasizing that it is not a comprehensive handbook but rather a collection of story lists intended to inspire and support storytelling practices in libraries. The initial section categorizes stories for very young children, presenting well-known nursery rhymes and simplified tales, and underscores the importance of brevity and engagement during story sessions with little ones.