Story Time with GCCSA

Listening to stories read aloud introduces new worlds to early learners – worlds of unique words, sounds and illustrations. Children will listen to a story, hear the words, see the pictures, and process them.

GCCSA’s Head Start/Early Head Start educators are bringing our classroom story time to the GCCSA Community. Each month, a different reader will share beautifully written and illustrated stories from around the world; stories that are reflected in the rich backgrounds of our children.

Please join us each month via virtual link or watch back via YouTube.

2025-2026 Academic Year

September 17, 2025

Ms. Cindy Puryear, kicked off the GCCSA StoryTime this school year!

“Dragons Love Tacos” – Written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

The book is an unforgettable tale of new friends and the perfect snack that will make you laugh until spicy salsa comes out of your nose.

Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.

Throughout the reading, Cindy maintained an interactive approach, prompting the audience to think about the dragons’ preferences and engage with questions about their favorite foods. The story highlighted the dragons’ fondness for various taco types and the importance of avoiding spicy ingredients to prevent chaos. The playful narrative included humorous elements, particularly when the dragons mistakenly consumed tacos with jalapeno peppers, leading to a comedic turn of events. This engagement kept the children entertained and involved in the storytelling process.

October 15, 2025

Abuela is a heartwarming tale of love, tradition, and the special bond between a grandmother and her grandson. The story, written and read by its author, Mr. Calvin Denson, was shared with the Head Start and Early Head Start children on October 15.

In the story, young Emilio spends a meaningful day with his grandmother, learning to garden, bake cookies, and embrace his Spanish heritage. As they pull weeds and mix cookie dough, Abuela teaches Emilio new Spanish words, reminding him of the importance of family and culture.

Perfect for bilingual readers, Abuela celebrates language, love, and tradition. Mr. Denson read to the children at the Early Head Start center, and the reading was broadcast to all classrooms through their Promethean Boards… Enjoy!

Recorded Story Hour with Mr. Calvin Denson

2023-2024 Academic Year

Andre Goes to School

Andre Goes to School, Written by Mikaela Wilson

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves” Written by Lucille Colandro, Illustrated by Jared Lee

“Mommy Has Eyes in the Back of Her Head” and “My Dad Says ‘Yes!”

“Mommy Has Eyes in the Back of Her Head” and “My Dad Says ‘Yes!’” Both written by Calvin Denson

“Llama Llama Holiday Helper” and “Jingle Bells” (Little Golden Book)

“Llama Llama Holiday Helper” by Anna Dewdney & JJ Harrison and “Jingle Bells” (Little Golden Book) by Kathleen N. Daly

“What is Money?” & “A Penny in My Pocket”

“What is Money?” Written by Kelly Lee & “A Penny in My Pocket” Written by CM Harris

My Family, Your Family

My Family, Your Family” Written by Lisa Bullard

We’re Better Together

“We’re Better Together” Written by Eileen Spinelli and Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan

Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story

“Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story ” by Jayme Sandberg & Illustrated by Kathleen Gadeken

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” written by American children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle

2022-2023 Academic Year

Maisy Goes to Preschool

Maisy Goes to Preschool, Writen and Illustrated By Lucy Cousins

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn, Written and Illustrated By Kenard Pak

Josh the Frog and the Missing Lily Pads

Josh the Frog and the Missing Lily Pads, Written by Carlos Gonzalez and Illustrated By Sobekmoses Brewer & Daniel Varner

I Can Do Hard Things Too & I Make My Bed Every Day

I Can Do Hard Things Too & I Make My Bed Every Day, Written by Ulysses Grant

Nelson Mandela (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

Nelson Mandela (Little People, BIG DREAMS), Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Alison Hawkins

Clifford Goes to Kindergarten

Clifford Goes to Kindergarten, Written and Illustrated by Norman Bridwell

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Book by Laura Joffe Numeroff & Illustrated by Felicia Bond

2021-2022 Academic Year

The Day You Begin

The Day You Begin, written by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez, and read by Dr. J

Celebrate! The Holidays

Celebrate! The Holidays, written by Sophia Day, illustrated by Stephanie Strouse, and read by Tiamoiya Lee

Mama’s Saris

Mama’s Saris, written by Pooja Makhijani, Illustrated by Elena Gomez, and read by Hetal Desai

Mia’s Mask

Mia’s Mask, written by Monica L. Woodard, illustrated by Abira Das, and read by Luke Gobert

Not Quite Snow White

Not Quite Snow White, written by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn, and read by Cynthia Hickman

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

A Big Mooncake for Litte Star, written and illustrated by Grace Lin, and read by Professor L.J. Davis-Lomas

Mae Among the Stars

Mae Among the Stars, written by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington, and read by Margaret Helaire