On April 27, Parks California and California State Parks will once again welcome award-winning author Carmen Bogan to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area for a magical StoryWalk event featuring scenes from her new illustrated children’s tale, Tasha’s Voice.
This new story, published by Yosemite Conservancy, will be told through individual panels featuring pages from the book placed along a wandering walking path in the park. As children and families walk or roll, the journey of a Black girl named Tasha will unfold. Park visitors will become immersed in Tasha’s story – how she has trouble finding her voice until she connects with nature in an “the best park ever” on a school fieldtrip.
Join us for a beautiful day in your local state park, Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. There is something for everyone during this free community event:
· Listen to Carmen, a recipient of the New Voices Award from Lee and Low Books, as she reads the book for young and young-at-heart ears.
· Lace up your shoes for an urban hike for all ages.
· Meet some animal ambassadors from Tree Frog Treks.
· Make a craft with the San Francisco Public Library.
· Explore the park through a unique scavenger hunt hosted by the California State Parks staff.
· Investigate insects up close with the California Academy of Sciences NEW Family Nature Club!
What’s more? Be one the first attendees and receive a limited signed copy of Tasha’s Voice! This event marks Carmen’s second StoryWalk – a fun way to engage families and young people in reading while exploring the outdoors – at Candlestick Point. Parks California previously partnered with park staff to showcase pages from her picture book, Where’s Rodney?, an award-winning story about a Black boy’s transformative day out in nature. Tasha’s Voice StoryWalk will be available until October 31st. Funding for this event is made possible through a partnership between California State Parks and Parks California.
WHEN: Saturday, April 27 from 1 PM to 4 PM
WHERE: Jack Rabbit Beach at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, 500 Hunters Point Express Way, San Francisco, CA 94124
HOW: Register on Eventbrite
WHO: Author Carmen Bogan, California State Parks, Parks California and organizations throughout the community.
MORE: Book excerpt: The class was preparing for a field trip to the park on Friday. Miss Garcia was saying, “You’ll see giant trees that are hundreds of years old! You’ll see colorful wildflowers and all sorts of birds and bugs and other creatures.” It was going to be the best park ever. As Miss Garcia spoke, Tasha imagined that she was already there.
Author Quote: “I am excited and honored to work with Parks California and California State Parks to bring Tasha’s Voice to the Bay Area. Our gorgeous park setting will bring Tasha’s story walk to life – and in the process, help children, adults, and families experience the joy of the outdoors and the healing power of nature.”
Parks California works statewide with its partners to ensure State Parks thrive. As the statutory nonprofit partner to California State Parks, Parks California has a simple mission – to help strengthen parks and inspire all to experience these extraordinary places. From redwood groves and desert springs to urban parks and lighthouses, the organization works with partners to steward these natural wonders and make California’s parks more welcoming, inclusive and climate resilient spaces. For more information, please visit parkscalifornia.org.
