Confetti Park Children's Workshop

Tag: thanksgiving

  • Storytime: Why He Carried the Turkey by James Baldwin

    Storytime: Why He Carried the Turkey by James Baldwin

    Hear ye! Hear ye! Good people are everywhere.

    Happy Thanksgiving, friends! As we give thanks this week, let’s take a moment to celebrate the fact that kindness is all around us.

    In every town, city, and corner of the world, there are good people spreading thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and a sprinkle of joy wherever they go. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?

    This week on Confetti Park Storytime, we’re sharing an old Thanksgiving tale called “Why He Carried the Turkey.” It’s a charming story about John Marshall. John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States and a pretty big deal in history. But this isn’t about courtrooms or gavels—it’s about a simple act of kindness that speaks volumes.

    John Marshall by Henry Inman, 1832

    Written by James Baldwin, this story is a little gem that might make you think about humility, being a good neighbor, or just lending a helping hand. Or maybe it’s about all of those things wrapped up in one heartwarming package.

    As Mr. Rogers so wisely said, “Look for the helpers.” They’re everywhere, and they remind us of two important things: who we should surround ourselves with (to feel one kind of joy) and how we can act to spread another kind of joy. True friends, true neighbors, and true kindness make the world a brighter, better place.

    So, gather the family, cozy up, and let’s dive into this sweet story together. It’s a perfect reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impressions.

  • Thanksgiving playlists make beautiful music memories for Rich Collins

    Thanksgiving playlists make beautiful music memories for Rich Collins

    Rich Collins
    Rich Collins

    It’s a childhood music memory from Rich Collins, a founder and front man for one of the most popular children’s music groups in the world, the Imagination Movers. Rich also has a burgeoning solo career, with a new album of songs geared toward adults. (Scroll down for music videos!)

    In this music memory, Rich talks about the music he associates with large family gatherings at Thanksgiving:

    “My family up in DC was large and we would all gather for all the major holidays, and the holiday that was at our house every year was Thanksgiving. And we had a very fun family, so basically the way every one of these gatherings ended was with all the tables and chairs being pushed aside, and we would put on records and start dancing.”

    Rich talks about how his father curated the albums that became the basis for Thanksgiving memories: “The soundtrack to my youth, and to these parties, and to these great family memories, was the Beatles, Creedence, and Otis Redding.”

    Today, the tradition lives on for Rich and his family.

    “Every other year here in New Orleans (where I’ve been for 25 years), I host Thanksgiving. And I have a Pandora channel with those three artists on it and I put it on and it’s playing the whole time that I’m gathered with my sisters and my mom and the next generation…”

    Thanks, Rich, for sharing this wonderful family tradition with Confetti Park. Listen to this extended interview with Rich Collins, all about the music of the Imagination Movers.