Build-A-Book Adventure!

A 45-Minute, All-Ages Story-Building Experience for Libraries & Summer Reading Programs

There’s something magical that happens when kids don’t just listen to a story—they help create one.

The Build-A-Book Adventure! is a lively, interactive program designed for libraries, summer reading events, community centers, and mixed-age audiences. Kids become co-authors, illustrators, and idea-makers as we build a completely new story together… right on the spot.

No two sessions are ever the same—because each one is guided entirely by the imagination of the kids in the room.

What Happens During the Program

✨ Lightning Read-Aloud

We kick things off with a fun, high-energy excerpt from one of my children’s books. Kids settle in, laugh, and get pulled into a world of friendship, courage, and curious farm animals.

✨ Live Group Story-Building

This is where the magic happens.
Kids decide:

• Who the main character is

• What they want

• The obstacle in their way

• And the big twist at the end

Then I perform the story live—voices, humor, surprises and all. The kids light up when they hear the character they invented take center stage.

✨ Draw-Your-Character Challenge

Kids grab paper and draw their version of the character we created together. Every artist—big or small—brings something unique, and it’s one of the most joy-filled parts of the whole program.

✨ “Story Seed” Take-Home Cards

Each child gets a creativity card with a mini-prompt to inspire their own stories or drawings long after the event is over.

Perfect For

✔ Summer reading programs
✔ Libraries
✔ Mixed-age groups
✔ Elementary-aged audiences
✔ Family nights & community events

Program Length

45 minutes
(Designed to fit any summer reading schedule and adaptable for any age mix.)

About A. B. Wade

A. B. Wade is a children’s book author and dad who loves helping kids discover their own creative voice. His books—Millie Lost Her Nose, Maudette Flew the Coop, and more adventures on the way—blend humor, heart, and meaningful messages that stick with readers long after story time is over.