Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Celebrates Week of the Young Child with "Read to Grow" Event Featuring Children’s Book with Story Set in Bridgeport, Connecticut

AUTHOR RANDY HOUK COMES TO CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO TO READ “RUFFLE, COO, AND HOO DOO”

Bridgeport, CT - Mar 26, 2024 - Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce a special event, "Read to Grow," on Saturday, April 6th, from 10 am to 1 pm, to mark the beginning of the Week of the Young Child. This event is presented by Pediatric Care Alliance with Connecticut Children's and Hartford HealthCare, and in partnership with Read to Grow, a non-profit organization dedicated to early childhood literacy.

During this exciting celebration, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet Randy Houk, author of 'Ruffle, Coo and Hoo Doo,' a captivating story set in Bridgeport that highlights the importance of animal protection and environmental conservation. Attendees can look forward to a special story time session with the author and the chance to receive a signed copy of her inspiring book. Additionally, a selection of animal-themed books in multiple languages will be available for guests to take home, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is committed to fostering a love for reading and the environment among our community's youngest members. The "Read to Grow" event is designed to engage children's curiosity and encourage a lifelong passion for nature and wildlife conservation through the power of storytelling.
"We are proud to host the 'Read to Grow' event and support the Week of the Young Child," said Gregg Dancho, Zoo Director. "This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to educate and inspire the next generation of conservationists. We invite families to join us for a day of learning, fun, and adventure at the zoo."

Don't miss this enriching and educational experience, perfect for young zoo enthusiasts and budding environmentalists. Join us in celebrating the joy of reading and the wonders of the natural world at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. This event is free with paid Zoo Admission. Bridgeport Residents gain free admittance to the Zoo as part of our Cool Blue Saturday program.

Read to Grow will be back later this summer with their bookmobile for the Zoo’s popular Fairy Tails Day presented by Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare. For more information about the "Read to Grow" event and other upcoming activities, click here.


About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Andean bear, Red panda, Maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and Red wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and a new prairie dog exhibit that we’ll cut the ribbon on soon! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. More information about the zoo may be found on our website.

About Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare
The Pediatric Care Alliance is a unique partnership between Connecticut Children’s and Hartford HealthCare. We work together to provide streamlined care for children and families when and where they need it — spanning infancy, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, and transition to adult care. This partnership combines the specialized expertise of two powerful health systems and brings it to nearly 400 locations in the region. Families, their infants, and children have access to the most experienced specialists, the most sophisticated technologies and the most helpful resources and support systems available. Learn more at:
https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/about-us/our-care-alliances/hartford-healthcare/
and https://hartfordhealthcare.org/about-us/pediatric-care-alliance