Last month, the Montgomery City Public Library (MCPL) hosted its seventh annual Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Over the years, the stuffies have gotten into mischief around the library, attended a pajama party, gone camping, rocketed into space, visited an art museum and traveled around the United States in a hot air balloon. You can look at the adventure booklets from previous sleepovers at MCPL. This year, the stuffed animals embarked on a Dinosaur Adventure!

Families registered in advance and attended a special storytime on October 17. The children made name tags for their stuffed friends and listened to What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe Tuma. This humorous book features toy dinosaurs that come to life at night and wreak havoc around the house. The children loved the book’s detailed pictures and playful story. After storytime, everyone gave their stuffed animals a big hug and said goodbye before the adventure began.

We expected the stuffed animals to stay at MCPL for the week, but everyone was in for a surprise when the adventure booklet was revealed. The mischievous stuffies had snuck out of the library and into Director Gaylee Harris’ car. They hitched a ride to the Missouri Dinosaur and Paleontology Center in New Florence. While Gaylee met with the Chief Curator of Paleontology and Geology, Dr. David Schmidt, the stuffies quietly slipped inside and hid. Once the coast was clear, the stuffed friends explored the center, checking out fascinating dinosaur bones and fossils. They had a roaring good time and took lots of pictures along the way!

On Saturday, October 24, families returned to MCPL for a special storytime and to reunite with their stuffed animals. After joyful reunions and plenty of hugs, the children watched a slideshow documenting their stuffies’ exciting adventure. As they enjoyed dinosaur-themed treats, the children were delighted to see their beloved companions exploring the Missouri Dinosaur and Paleontology Center. To commemorate the occasion, each child received a dinosaur grabber, a free book, a themed T-shirt and a tote bag.

MCPL extends special thanks to JJ Rodgers at Varsity Ink for printing the adorable T-shirts and tote bags; to Judy Hays Hunt for sponsoring this beloved annual event; and to Dr. David Schmidt, Dr. Nichol Allen, and Dr. John Tosi of the Missouri Dinosaur and Paleontology Center for graciously allowing the stuffed animals to visit.

Although the Missouri Dinosaur and Paleontology Center is not yet open to the public, you can learn more by visiting its website at www.dinomissouri.com, following Dino MO on Facebook, or finding the center on Instagram at @mdpcmuseum.

MCPL’s annual Stuffed Animal Sleepover typically takes place in October, with registration opening in mid-September. Space is limited to 25 participants, so early registration is encouraged. If your child would like to join next year’s adventure, keep an eye on the MCPL Facebook page, website and front desk for registration information. You never know where the stuffies might go next!