Little Beaver was lonely and began to cry. Then, from across the pond he heard someone else crying. This began his adventure to discover new friends and Echo.

The picture book, “Little Beaver and the Echo” by Maine author Amy McDonald, was presented at a special Story Time by a special guest reader Samantha Davison at the Wiscasset Public Library last Thursday.

Davison is a graduate of Wiscasset High School and had prepared the story and the props during an early childhood course she had taken in school.

Her presentation included the 3-foot birch bark canoe and paddles she had made. As she read the story she had the children play the role of Echo.

As each new friend character was introduced in the story, a child placed the puppet of that critter in the canoe.  The presentation was enjoyed by all and she received a splendid round of applause when she finished.

Why do birds fly south each winter and why do bats fly at night? The answers to these questions can be found in the Muskogee or Creek Indian Nation legend, “The Great Ball Game,” retold by Joseph Bruchac, which was featured during the regular Story Time on Wednesday. 

In this version, an argument evolves over who is better, the Birds with wings or the Animals with teeth. To settle the dispute, a game similar to lacrosse is played.

The winner is declared to be the better and gets to assign a penalty to the losing team. A bat wants to be on a team but he has both wings and teeth. Bird or animal?

Story Time is each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room. All are welcomed.