DALLAS — Carmel The Dog learned he had a purpose, while Zoe, who could not read, vowed to learn and teach others during “Making a Masterpiece” at the Back Mountain Memorial Library on Aug. 10.
Carmel and Zoe were only two of four characters puppeteer Susan Klein brought with her to share with 49 children and 26 adults at an hour-long performance at the Children’s Library.
Susan Klein and a Family of Friends presentation was funded by a memorial donation from Cheryl L. Miskiel in memory of Miskiel’s mother ,Shirley Goode. Klein’s performance was developed around the library’s summer reading program theme, “Build a Better World.”
Each puppet shared a story that stressed the message “by studying, reading and doing their best they can build a masterpiece and create a better world,” she said.
Puppet Grandpa Harry, who is hard of hearing, told the audience about his experience of building a library in his little town.
He also read a story about Benjamin Franklin who built the first public library.
Eight-year-old Cody Bartos volunteered to be Benjamin Franklin and Hannah Wilson, 11, portrayed the first librarian, Lewis Timothy, in a skit for the audience.
Puppet Carly shared her big dream of becoming a singer to win a competition in a week.
Carly learned about the hard work and practice required to master the skill of singing and decided her talent was in art.
“She had to understand you need to lay a foundation built on reading and studying first before you can build a better world,” Klein said.
Puppet Carmel The Dog was sad because he did not believe he could create a masterpiece. His attitude changed after Klein explained about service canines who help children feel comfortable reading out loud by allowing them to read to a dog.
He felt he was capable of the job, Klein said of Carmel.
At the end of the program, each child received a bookmarker to remind them to keep reading and learning and create a better world.