Have you seen a diorama at your local library branch? The Harrison County Public Library is currently displaying dioramas by local artist Donna Shaw of MiniMaples Studio. Shaw, who lives in Jeffersonville, has been crafting in miniature since 2015. In 2022, she partnered with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana for the MiniMaples Literacy Project to get school students excited about reading and books through art. This summer the project has been expanded to public libraries.
HCPL is displaying four dioramas this summer to “encourage students (children) to read and grow their creativity and imagination,” which is Shaw’s goal. The library suggests families look at the intricate details in the dioramas and check out books that are related to each miniature display.
Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch. Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you. Checkout non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location. (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)
Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch.
Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you. Checkout non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location. (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)
Tis the season for gardening. Big Old Garden features a huge tree, a bird feeder with realistic birds and a small pond complete with lily pads. Try books like Everything Bird: What Kids Really Want to Know About Birds, Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids, Over and Under the Pond, or My First Book of Garden Wildlife.
Scaredy Squirrel can be found at the Lanesville Branch. If you aren’t familiar with this book character, ask an elementary school-aged child. Scaredy Squirrel stories by Melanie Watt include adventures at the beach, birthday party, camping, and making friends, to name a few.
The dioramas are expected to rotate branches throughout the summer so everyone can experience all of the miniature art. Drop by the library soon to view a diorama, join the summer reading challenge and check out books.
