Summer StoryWalk Celebration Featuring Local Author Izzy B
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One Joplin is inviting families to kick off the summer season with a special StoryWalk® celebration featuring Look Up, a children's book by local author and illustrator Izzy B (Isaiah Basey). The event will take place on Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. at Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue, Joplin.
The community gathering will introduce a new reading experience along the Leonard Park walking trail, where families can enjoy Look Up page by page while exploring the park together. The story encourages children to notice the beauty, adventure, and possibilities that can be found when they pause, look around, and engage with the world beyond their screens and routines.
In addition to the StoryWalk®, families will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, enjoy crafts, receive free books, and connect with community partners focused on supporting children and families. All offerings are free of charge.
“Books have a unique way of bringing people together,” said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. “This event celebrates not only literacy, but also curiosity, creativity, and the opportunity for families to make memories together in one of Joplin’s great public spaces.”
A Joplin native, Izzy B has become known for creating imaginative stories that encourage children to embrace creativity, kindness, and self-discovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author and learn more about the inspiration behind Look Up. Izzy B shared “It’s an honor to see Look Up! Featured as a StoryWalk in our local park. Joplin is so supportive, and I truly appreciate how Joplin continues to demonstrate how important literacy is for kids. I hope families enjoy sharing the story together while spending time outside and discovering, just like Gramm the ant, that there is often more beauty around us than we realize.”
The Leonard Park StoryWalk® is part of One Joplin’s efforts to create engaging literacy experiences beyond traditional settings by bringing stories into community spaces where families already gather, play, and explore.
The event is free and open to the public.
Event Details
• What: Summer StoryWalk® Celebration featuring Look Up by Izzy B
• When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue, Joplin, Missouri
• Cost: Free
For more information about One Joplin and upcoming family events, visit OneJoplin.com.
https://onejoplin.com/blog/lookup/
The community gathering will introduce a new reading experience along the Leonard Park walking trail, where families can enjoy Look Up page by page while exploring the park together. The story encourages children to notice the beauty, adventure, and possibilities that can be found when they pause, look around, and engage with the world beyond their screens and routines.
In addition to the StoryWalk®, families will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, enjoy crafts, receive free books, and connect with community partners focused on supporting children and families. All offerings are free of charge.
“Books have a unique way of bringing people together,” said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. “This event celebrates not only literacy, but also curiosity, creativity, and the opportunity for families to make memories together in one of Joplin’s great public spaces.”
A Joplin native, Izzy B has become known for creating imaginative stories that encourage children to embrace creativity, kindness, and self-discovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author and learn more about the inspiration behind Look Up. Izzy B shared “It’s an honor to see Look Up! Featured as a StoryWalk in our local park. Joplin is so supportive, and I truly appreciate how Joplin continues to demonstrate how important literacy is for kids. I hope families enjoy sharing the story together while spending time outside and discovering, just like Gramm the ant, that there is often more beauty around us than we realize.”
The Leonard Park StoryWalk® is part of One Joplin’s efforts to create engaging literacy experiences beyond traditional settings by bringing stories into community spaces where families already gather, play, and explore.
The event is free and open to the public.
Event Details
• What: Summer StoryWalk® Celebration featuring Look Up by Izzy B
• When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue, Joplin, Missouri
• Cost: Free
For more information about One Joplin and upcoming family events, visit OneJoplin.com.
https://onejoplin.com/blog/lookup/
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Where is it happening?
Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherOne Joplin
