Mike’s Critters at Surrey Library

Even though I have two boys, I’m sooooooo not okay with the creepy crawlies that my kids are obsessed with.  Kindergarten has taught my 5-year-old so many random facts about insects, arachnids and associated vermin and left him hungry for more.  So when I saw Mike’s Critters on the library schedule, I knew I had to put aside my squeamishness and check it out.

showing us all a look at Kermit....

The room at the Cloverdale Library was full – very full – of curious and restless children.  Mike did an excellent job of capturing and holding their attention for the entire hour with a commanding voice and straightforward yet kid-friendly facts about his critters.  He asked the kids lots of questions (some interesting answers came forth!) and encouraged them to ask their own as well.  I got a little closer than I wanted to get to a frog, gerbil, snake and tarantula as he was careful to take them around so that every child got an opportunity to see the critter close up and if they wanted – to pet the critter.

Mike had a great demeanor with the kids which encouraged respecting the animals.  While there were a few jokes for the kids, there was no silliness and the kids remained engaged the whole time.

Every one of the kids who wanted to touch or hold one of the animals had the opportunity (even a certain ticklish child who didn’t quite hold on tight enough to a squirmy gerbil), with the tarantula being the most popular and crawling all over children both little and big.

Mike doesn’t just do the library circuit, he does birthday parties and other educational events.  Visit the Mike’s Critters website to learn more, or call him at 604-598-3649.

There is still time to catch him for free at one of the local libraries.  Check the schedule and get up close and personal with one of Mike’s Critters.  A word of advice if you’re squeamish…do not sit near your kids, as you might get closer than you’d like to a frog or spiky lizard!

While you’re at the library, don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading Club!  My boys have loved checking in every week with the sweet librarian at our Newton branch.  Enter to win lots of prizes and play fun games while building literacy this summer!