TUE 1/20
Gather ’round, children, and listen up well, for Ji-Li Jiang has a story to tell. The Year of the Monkey will soon begin — you know, that trickster with the double-wide grin? Well, it seems he was once just a statue of stone, but then came to life and ascended the throne! (They’ve been telling this story for a long time in China, but thanks to Ms. Jiang, it’s reached North Carolina.) If you want to know more ’bout this Monkey King book, stop in at the Oakland Public Library (Main and Asian branches) for a look. In Hawaii they also have troublemakers galore — in the sky, in the sea, and also on shore. The Clever Youth and the Shark King is a mischievous tale; you can bet CRIC-CRAC’ s story’ll be fun without fail. They’re a show-and-tell-a-tale troupe from these parts, especially versed in the theater arts. Place: Oakland Public Library. Branch: Golden Gate. The whole family is invited, so make it a date.
On Tuesday, Chinese-American writer Ji-Li Jiang will read from her book The Magical Monkey King: Mischief in Heaven at the Main Children’s Room (125 14th St.) at 10:30 a.m. and at the Asian Branch (388 9th St., Suite 190) at 1:30 p.m. CRIC-CRAC will perform at the Golden Gate Branch (5606 San Pablo Ave.) at 7:00 p.m., also on Tuesday.— Nora Sohnen
SAT 1/17
That’s Scat
Follow the tracks in Fremont
Got a budding trapper on your hands? How about a wannabe scatologist? Nature-loving kids eight and up can find out the scoop on poop — and other stuff that animals leave behind — during Scat, Tracks, and Signs. Kristina Parkinson, leader of the Coyote Cubs and Scouts, will take kids who’ve had cootie shots through Coyote Hills Park, teaching them to identify different scats, tracks, and other clues as they go. Then the group will make booklets to take home, all for free (though a parking fee may be charged for the folks ferrying participants to the park). The event happens from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Coyote Hills is located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont. Registration is required, so call 510-795-9385 to do so.— Stefanie Kalem
