Pajamas of My DREAMS Storytime and Pajama Drive

“As an adult we take for granted that our children go to bed with a full belly and comfortable pajamas,” said Pajamas of My Dreams author and Ipswich librarian Laurie Collins.  The children’s book celebrates the hopefulness and high aspirations of providing warm pajamas for all children. On Wednesday July 17 from 6-8 pm the Wenham Museum invites young book lovers to join author Laurie Collins for a reading of her book, Pajamas of My Dreams, where free admission will be given during the event with a donation of new children’s pajamas.  Following the reading children will participate in a fun, hands-on color and collage Dream activity with the books illustrator, Margie Florini, who has known the author since they were both members of the Beverly High School Band.  
The story hour and pajama drive event will also be accompanied by an exhibit of original book art that will be displayed in the museum’s Burnham Hall from July 20 through the end of the mall.  During this time visitors are invited to offer a pair of new pajamas to be donated to Cradles to Crayons, the organization which inspired Collins to write the book.
“When I read the book to the Montessori School in Newburyport, before I got to the last page, I explained to those very little people that some children do not feel safe when they go to bed, that they may be cold or hungry.  A young boy raised his hand with the solution.  ‘Then they should do what I do. They should go to Mumma’s bed,’ he said.   If only the solution was that easy for all children,” expressed Collins.  
Pajamas of My Dreams was inspired by a clothing drive held by the organization, Cradles to Crayons:  “Through my position as town librarian, I became aware of the need for children’s pajama drives while participating in clothing drives with Cradles to Crayons children’s service agency.”  The author seeks to illustrate for young readers the importance of providing the less fortunate with pajamas and other simple necessities.  
Collins’ intention is much like that of Elizabeth Richards Horton,  benefactor of the Wenham Museum International Doll collection.  Mrs. Horton’s doll collection and accompanying exhibit were shown nationwide to raise money for children’s charities which included free kindergartens, day nurseries, and various homes for boys and girls.   
Wenham Museum educator, Mary McDonald, remarks on the similarity between the two women, “Elizabeth Richards Horton sought to aid charities in the same manner as Laurie Collins, through involving kids in activities they already enjoyed,” Mrs. Horton raised the money and awareness for children’s charities through her doll exhibit and Mrs. Collins through her children’s book.  Despite the hundred year gap between the two movements their generous sentiments and sense of charity remain the same.  
---by Laura Mahoney, Marketing Intern for the Wenham Museum