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Tom Knight’s "Library Boogie" program is a dynamic blend of music, puppetry, and storytelling that promotes a love of reading and the value of visiting the library. Ideal for grades PreK–3, this i... Read more

Tom Knight’s "Library Boogie" program is a dynamic blend of music, puppetry, and storytelling that promotes a love of reading and the value of visiting the library. Ideal for grades PreK–3, this interactive assembly supports literacy goals through original songs, classic folk tales, and hands-on student engagement.

The performance features musical retellings of Stone Soup and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, along with Tom’s original song “The Library Boogie,” which introduces students to popular children’s books in a fun, memorable way. The bilingual movement song “Alligator Jump / ¡Salta Caimán!” adds a cross-cultural dimension and encourages physical participation.

With his handmade puppets and conversational performance style, Tom invites students to think critically, respond to questions, and reflect on key concepts. Shows are adapted for different age groups, with older students receiving content that connects with curriculum themes and deeper discussion.

Learning outcomes include:
Reinforcing story structure and sequencing
Encouraging enthusiasm for reading and library use
Promoting listening, movement, and oral language skills
Introducing folk tales

Every performance is designed to be engaging, developmentally appropriate, and joyful—making it easy for educators to tie the experience back to classroom learning.

This program is designed for all participating classrooms to view one show at the same time. (I don't move from one class to the next.) Audience sizes of 25 -100 work well. I'll need a room where I ca... Read more

This program is designed for all participating classrooms to view one show at the same time. (I don't move from one class to the next.) Audience sizes of 25 -100 work well. I'll need a room where I can set up and everyone comes to see the show (often in an auditorium, or large classroom). I need about 1 hour to set up.

If there is a screen or TV available, I would love to use that to add digital backgrounds to some of the pieces. This adds another dimension to the show, but is not necessary if it's not available.... Read more

If there is a screen or TV available, I would love to use that to add digital backgrounds to some of the pieces. This adds another dimension to the show, but is not necessary if it's not available.

I also have two songs that require shaker eggs. I always bring my own, but if the school has some available that can save time.

I need about 60 minutes time to set up and 45 minutes to break down, with a space about 6 feet wide by 6 feet deep.If there is a screen or TV available, I would love to use that to add dig... Read more

I need about 60 minutes time to set up and 45 minutes to break down, with a space about 6 feet wide by 6 feet deep.

If there is a screen or TV available, I would love to use that to add digital backgrounds to some of the pieces. This adds another dimension to the show, but is not necessary if it's not available.

Students will sing in a group and respond to musical and verbal prompts during the performance.Students will engage with stories and music by listening, moving, and interacting with characters... Read more

Students will sing in a group and respond to musical and verbal prompts during the performance.
Students will engage with stories and music by listening, moving, and interacting with characters and songs.
Students will practice rhythm, rhyme, and repetition through participation in songs and storytelling.