In the golden sunshine state of Florida, where oranges are as common as sunshine and alligators can be seen basking by the pool side, lives a group of extraordinary kids. They are not extraordinary because they can surf waves taller than a giraffe or eat more Key Lime Pie than a hungry hippo. No, these kids are special because they have an insatidably voracious appetite for… books! Introducing Captain BookBeard, the imaginary leader of these reading adventurers. He's a swashbuckling pirate with a wild beard made entirely of book pages, always fluttering in the tangy sea-breezes of Florida. You see, the more these Floridian kids read, the longer our Captain’s book beard grows, sometimes even tickling the pink flamingos that happen to pass by! Captain BookBeard guides this crew through the thrilling mysteries and magical realms found within the pages of their books. Each day after school, they gather under towering palm trees or sandy beaches, their eyes dancing across the pages, their minds transported to fabulously fantastical worlds. Whether they are reading about the daring escapades of superheroes, the enchanting tales of mermaids, or the brave adventures of astronauts, these kids never tire. The sunlight may dance on their suntanned faces, and the occasional splash of a dolphin may startle them, but nothing can deter these young bookworms. In the heart of Florida, with Captain BookBeard at the helm, these kids continue their reading journey. Their laughter and gasps of surprise ring out across the state, proving that in the land of sunshine and oranges, reading is as exciting as a rollercoaster ride through an alligator’s mouth! So, if you hear the rustling of pages in the breeze, you’ll know the Florida reading crew is on another epic adventure, led by their fearless leader, Captain BookBeard!
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Mad Science of NE Phoenix is a leading provider of entertaining scientific enrichment activities for children. We are committed to making learning an enjoyable and engaging experience through our unique and interactive science activities. Our comprehensive educational programs include after-school classes, birthday celebrations, and specialized workshops. Furthermore, we also organize special events and summer camps to keep the passion for science burning throughout the year. At Mad Science of NE Phoenix, we firmly advocate for experiential learning. Our programs are meticulously designed to ignite children's innate curiosity and foster a lifelong interest in science. However, the fun doesn't stop there! Our programs seamlessly blend education and entertainment to make learning an exciting adventure for kids. At Mad Science of NE Phoenix, children get to explore the wonders of learning in the most thrilling way imaginable. Mad Science was established in 1985 in Montreal, Canada, by two brothers, Ariel and Ron Shlien. What started as a hobby of performing astonishing science experiments that captivated their neighborhood children, turned into a prospering business. Mad Science is now a global enrichment firm that brings the fascination of science in a hands-on manner to millions of children every year! Locally owned and managed by Adam Mendoza, Mad Science of N.E. Phoenix is proud to have spent over 20 years providing exhilarating STEM experiences to children across Arizona.


At the Bradenton YMCA, we are proud to serve the Manatee County community. We first opened our doors in 1977 after the Bradenton Kiwanis Club donated a five acre site and a small metal building. As we grew, the community was there to support us and in 1983 we built a full facility with locker rooms, offices, and an outdoor pool. Since then, we have continued to expand and develop our facility, adding a group exercise room, indoor pool, fitness center, teen center, child care area, game room, and cycling room. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all of our members. We are excited to continue to grow and serve our community for years to come.


The YMCA of Southwest Florida is taking action to serve their community in a time of need. With some of their branches open as Community Hubs, they are offering a warm place of respite for all in the area. Those who are struggling with access to basic necessities such as hot showers and charging for electronic devices can find help here. The YMCA is providing a valuable service to those who may be hard pressed to find such resources elsewhere. It is a place to take a break from the elements and relax, all while knowing that basic needs are being met. The YMCA of Southwest Florida is leading the way in demonstrating their commitment to the community. With their open branches providing a place of refuge and solace, they are helping to ensure that all in the area have access to the essentials. Whether it's a hot shower, a place to relax or charging for electronic devices, the YMCA is there to provide a helping hand.

At Experience Daliona, readers can explore the world of the books and connect with Alex's narrative. Whether it be through the website, the Resonance book series, or the Sidewalk Science Center, Alex Martin's mission is to inspire and educate people about the wonders of science in an enjoyable and exciting way. The organization strives to provide a platform for people to engage with the narrative Alex has created in a variety of ways. Alex Martin's creative vision and scientific background is what drives the success of Experience Daliona. He created the fictional organization in 2015 to explore the world of his book series beyond the pages. In 2018, he founded the Sidewalk Science Center in Savannah, Georgia, providing those in the area with free science education in public spaces. Through the website, book series, and Science Center, Alex has created a platform for readers to engage with the narrative he created in an enjoyable and educational way.