Storytime Readings with Mira Mesa Library, Promises2Kids and Giving Book Donations to Kids

On October 21 and 22, 2026, Foster Book Club joined two San Diego storytime gatherings, sharing picture books about family, feelings, care, and belonging. The second day also brought a book handoff made possible by local student donors.

These readings are part of Foster Book Club’s Reader and Author Engagement program, which brings readers together through community storytimes and other opportunities to connect with books that have foster care representation or themes that resonate with foster care or kinship care.

October 21: Stories at Mira Mesa Library

On October 21, Nico joined Mira Mesa Library’s children’s storytime as a guest reader. The San Diego Public Library branch offers children’s programs and collections in multiple languages. A welcoming setting for young readers and families across the community.

Nico read two books that make space for different family experiences.

The Family Book by Todd Parr celebrates families and all the varieties they come in. Whether they’re big or small, look alike or different, have a single parent or two, Todd Parr assures readers that every family is special in its own unique way.

Pup and Bear by Kate Banks, illustrated by Naoko Stoop, is described as “This deeply emotional read-aloud about a lost wolf pup who is raised by a loving polar bear is sure to resonate with families – particularly non-traditional ones.”

Together, these books offer gentle starting points for talking about family and care. Parr’s bright, affirming celebration invites children to notice that families can look different from one another. In Banks and Stoop’s story, a polar bear cares for a lost wolf pup, giving young listeners a tender picture of safety and love that isn’t limited by resemblance.

October 22: Reading together for Promises2Kids

Foster Book Club partnered with the Reading Legacies parent workshop to do a storytime reading for Promises2Kids, a San Diego organization serving children and youth in foster care. Nico read two more picture books, both of which make room for feelings and caring relationships.

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr “vibrantly illustrates the wide range of moods we all experience.” Its playful, colorful approach can help make it easier for children to recognize that feelings change, and that many kinds of feelings are part of being human.

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza reminds readers that “Family is about love no matter how different parents and children may be.” Choco searches for a mother, then finds care and welcome with Mrs. Bear and her family. The story gives readers a warm way to think about how love and caregiving can bring a family together.

Reading Legacies describes its work as connecting families through shared reading. Its programs include parent education workshops and family story hours that support early literacy and help caregivers build confidence through reading aloud.

After storytime ended, Nico handed out books to the children there. The books included titles collected during a donation drive by student club members of The Bishop’s School, along with bookmarks handmade by their club members. Each book offered a chance for a child to continue the story after the group reading was over; each bookmark carried a small, personal reminder of the students who helped make the handoff possible.

Reading Legacies shared on social media: “Thank you to Nico Waters from @fosterbookclub BookClub for joining us for storytime and bringing books for the children!”

We’re grateful to Reading Legacies for partnering on the reading, to Promises2Kids for welcoming the storytime, and to the Bishop’s School student club members whose book drive and handmade bookmarks helped extend the day’s generosity.