Kimberley Public Library has teamed up with the Kimberley Nordic Club to deliver a story-ski collaboration for this winter season.

Twelve storyboards, set on an easy 2.25 km out-and-back loop, tell the story of The Gruffalo. This international best-seller has over 13.5 million copies in print worldwide. But perhaps never a version set on a XC-ski track before?

When Mouse takes a stroll through the deep dark wood, he meets a fox, an owl, and a snake who all want to eat him. Clever Mouse scares them off, however, by warning them about a magical monster who has orange eyes, a tongue that’s black, and purple prickles all over his back – the Gruffalo!

But what happens when Mouse’s fearful creature turns out to be real?

This story-ski idea came from some new thinking from the Kimberley library team.

Story-walks have long been established in urban settings to encourage young children to read. “Our mandate is to promote early literacy in an enjoyable and engaging way,” said Jean Miller, Kimberley Library Outreach coordinator. “What better way to combine winter in Kimberley with a connection to the joy of reading, nature and activity? I’m delighted to see the library collaborate with the Kimberley Nordic Club like this.”

Daniel Childress, General Manager of the Kimberley Nordic Club agrees. “When the idea was presented to us it was met with a lot of enthusiasm. We want to connect children with the joys of cross-country skiing. The Gruffalo story-ski is another way to make that happen. It complements our low cost, fun focused Jackrabbits program for kids four and up which is currently the most popular kids winter sports program in Kimberley.”

It is hoped that this may be the first of an annual story-ski venture between the two Kimberley organizations.

While The Gruffalo is a story recommended for early readers – Kindergarten to Grade 3 – children of all ages will enjoy the experience. The Gruffalo Story-Ski Adventure is launched on January 7.

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