Groups & Events

COAC | BookPeople – Storytime with Alxis Turner

Turning "Bugs" into "Wishes"
‍Words are Magic: An Interactive Storytime & Workshop with Alxis Turner, LMSW and workshop support from Irene Wang, COAC Intern

Date and Time

April 4, 2026 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Facilitator

Alxis Turner, LMSW

Location

BookPeople 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX

investment

Details

Join us at BookPeople for an empowering session designed to give children the tools they need to navigate friendships with confidence!

The Story We will begin with a live reading of A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer. This charming, relatable story follows Tyler, a young boy teased by his peers. Tyler eventually learns a life-changing secret: he doesn't need to find a real ladybug or a dandelion seed to make his problems disappear. Instead, he discovers a "communication toolkit" that helps him tell others what is "bugging" him and what he "wishes" they would do instead.

The Workshop Following the story, Alxis Turner, LMSW, will lead a hands-on "Bug & Wish" Workshop supported by Irene Wang, COAC Intern. This interactive session helps children move away from "tattling" and toward independent problem-solving. Children will:

Identify the "Bug": Brainstorm common peer conflicts (e.g., "It bugs me when someone takes my toy").
Formulate the "Wish": Practice turning frustration into a positive request (e.g., "I wish you would ask me first").
Role-Play & Create: Every child will create their own "Bug & Wish" wand to take home as a physical reminder of how to use their "strong voice."

Why Attend? This event builds Social-Emotional Intelligence (SEL) by focusing on assertive communication and empathy. Families will leave with a shared vocabulary—"Do you need to give a Bug and a Wish?"—to help mediate sibling or peer squabbles at home long after the event ends.

Quick Facts for Families

Best For: Ages 3–9 (Preschool through 4th Grade), though all ages are welcome!

Key Takeaways:
- Listen: A live reading of a beloved picture book.
- Learn: Understand the difference between "tattling" and "asserting."
- Do: A guided activity to practice real-world communication.

Registration

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Thank you for inquiring! We will be in touch soon.

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