Families in Stratford can once again combine a walk in nature with reading a picture book as the Tales & Trails storywalk returns to the Stratford Perth Museum this fall. The free, self-directed program runs from September 2 to December 31, 2026, along the Heritage Trails at 4275 Huron Road/Line 34.
This year’s featured book is “The Language of Birds” by local award-winning author Jon-Erik Lappano, illustrated by Zach Manbeck. The story follows a girl named Mira who can talk to birds but finds it hard to connect with people, until she meets a new boy named Jad who understands trees the way she does birds. Lappano’s first book, “Tokyo Digs a Garden,” won the 2016 Governor General’s Literary Award.
The program is a partnership between the Stratford Public Library, the Stratford Perth Museum, and the Rotary Club of Stratford. Pages from the book are displayed along the trail, letting children and their families read the story as they walk.
Along with the story, the program includes bird-themed discovery activities such as bird call identification, a listening station, bird feeder instructions, and a trivia challenge. The Tales & Trails event listing describes it as a chance for visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating world of birds while building literacy skills.
There is no cost to take part, and no registration is needed. For more information, contact Brandi Gillett at the Stratford Public Library by email at [email protected] or by phone at 519-271-0220 extension 116.
