Every Friday morning, families in San Antonio gather at The Twig Book Shop in Pearl for a beloved tradition: Miss Anastasia’s story time. For 26 years, Miss Anastasia has been captivating young audiences with her animated storytelling, drawing generations of families to this weekly event. During the school year, story time begins at 10:30 a.m., and this summer, she will host two sessions, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

A Tradition of Connection

Miss Anastasia’s story time is more than just reading books; it’s a community event that brings families together. Underneath a charming awning, children and their caregivers enjoy a screen-free environment where they can connect and engage with each other. Miss Anastasia emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children, noting that it stimulates their brains, strengthens the parent-child bond, and enhances vocabulary.

“Reading to your baby is one of the most important things you can do,” she said. “It creates a connection and makes them feel safe. If you read to your baby, then one day your baby will read to you.”

Screen-Free and Inclusive

The story time sessions are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all children, even those who might wander during the readings. “If they wander off, you just wander off with them,” Miss Anastasia advises. “Even if they only catch a few minutes, it’s priceless.” The event is free and open to anyone, making it accessible to all families in the community.

Miss Anastasia’s dedication to fostering a love for reading and creating a space for families to connect is a testament to the values of traditional family and community engagement. Her story time sessions are a reminder of the simple joys of shared experiences and the lasting impact they can have on young minds.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.