Look closely. Goldilocks has crashed her chair, but of course, that’s how it’s supposed to be.
A new attraction at the St. Albert Public Library will surely have readers – young and old alike – peering into a tiny world thanks to the 30-plus members of the Miniature Enthusiasts of Edmonton club. Yesterday morning, they donated a dollhouse where characters from many storybooks, fairy tales, nursery rhymes and bedtime stories have all congregated as a reminder about the joy of reading.
Barb Moreau, children’s services co-ordinator, couldn’t have been more pleased with the interactive artwork now installed in joint celebration of Canadian Library Month and International Dollhouse Month.
“The time and attention to detail that has gone into making this dollhouse is astounding. I am sure that both adults and children will be amazed when they see it, and I am so pleased that we can make this a permanent feature of the library.”
Inside, there’s the little red hen, Winnie the Pooh, Curious George and Harry Potter. Readers can even pick up a page of items that they can check off after they find them. Accompanying the characters are items of furniture or other objects that are relevant to the stories as well.
The storybook dollhouse took more than 175 hours to complete with each member of the club contributing to the effort.
St. Albert’s Joanne Root is one of those people. Among other things, she created Max’s suit from Where the Wild Things Are.
“Somebody made Miss Muffet’s tuffet … that’s to die for,” she cheered. “Oh my god, she must have spent forever doing that! It’s really wonderful. We love doing this kind of stuff!”
Moreau was just as enthusiastic. As a former miniature builder herself, she knows very well how much work went into the gift.
She hearkened how the piece would serve as a stimulating and interactive focal point for all of the patrons coming through the Children’s Library area on the main floor.
“It’s more than a decoration. Families, parents, children … every time they come, they’ll find something new.”
