Story Trail

  1. 1 Dec Story Trail Castle Rock Park
  2. 2 Dec Story Trail Josephine Crossing

Story Trail 

Story Trail is an outdoor reading experience where the pages of a children's book are laminated and displayed on posts, which are installed along a path in an outdoor location.  It combines three important elements of family health: early literacy learning, family engagement outdoors, and physical activity. Stories are selected for colorful illustrations, limited text, and the inclusion of movement. Themes include: nature, outdoor sports, family and animals and are changed out quarterly. Story Trail is made possible through generous donations from McCall Homes, Billings Public Library Foundation and Billings Park and Rec through a grant from the Fortin Foundation and Nick and Linda Cladis.

Story Trail West:

Josephine Crossing Outdoor Amphitheater

Front Street & Lost Creek Road, Billings



Josephine Crossing Story Trail Image
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  3. 3 Josephine Crossing Amphitheater
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Ten Ways to Hear Snow 

by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Kenard Pak


One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. It's the sound of snow-- the kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun. But as she walks to her grandmother's house to help make the family recipe for warak enab, she continues to listen. 

Extension Activities

Ten Ways to Hear Snow Book Cover

Story Trail East 

Castlerock Park

W. Wicks Ln & Nutter Blvd. Billings  

Map of Castlerock Park
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CURRENT BOOK:

First Day of Winter

by Denise Fleming


Alive with swirling snow and lots of outdoor fun, the first ten days of winter bring special gifts for a special friend. This cumulative tale will have children chanting along as they discover all the trimmings needed for the most perfect snowman ever!

Extension Activities

First Day of Winter Book Cover

Previous Books:

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

by Julia Rawlinson, Illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke


It's autumn and Fletcher's favorite tree is slowly changing colors and losing its leaves. 

Fletcher is very worried. 

He tells the tree he'll help. But when the very last leaf falls to the ground, Fletcher feels as though he's let down his friend...

...until the first day of winter, when Fletcher sees that his tree has turned into a shining, glittering surprise. 

Extension Activities

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves Book Cover

The Very Last Leaf

by Stef Wade and Illustrated by Jennifer Davison


Lance Cottonwood is the brightest leaf in the class, but even the brightest students have worries.

Lance is afraid his final exam will take him from the top of his comfortable tree to somewhere he doesn't want to be. Will Lance conquer his fears and learn to leg, or will he let his worries take over?

Extension Activities

Very Last Leaf Book Cover

We Are Water Protectors

by Carole Lindstrom and Illustrated by Michaela Goade


Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all...

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. 

Extension Activities

We are water protectors image

Mouse Paint

by Ellen Stoll Walsh


This book gently explores the world of color and celebrates the joy of creativity. 

One day three white mice discover three jars of paint--red, blue and yellow. But, what happens when they splash in the colors, mixing the red and blue? Or dance in the blue and yellow? This playful introduction will appeal to any budding artist or curious preschooler. 

Extension Activities

Mouse Paint Book Cover

I Got the Rhythm

by Connie Schofield-Morrison  and 

illustrated by Frank Morrison


On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her - from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakers her way into the heart of the beat finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!

Extension Activities

Under My Tree

by Muriel Tallandier and 

illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa


When Susanne leaves her city home to visit her grandmother, she finds a very special tree of her own in the forest. Each time she returns to the tree, she observes something unique about it--from the sheltering protection of its branches to the scratchy surface of its bark.

Extension Activities

Book Cover
Under the Tree Book Cover

Over and Under the Snow

by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal.


Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow is a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals who live through the winter safe and warm under the snow.

Extension Activities

Over and Under the Snow Book Cover

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

by Kenard Pak


As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change colors, everyone knows autumn is on its way! Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says goodbye to summer and welcomes autumn. 

Extension Activities

Goodbye Summer Hello Autumn Book Cover

Up, Down, and Around

by Katherine Ayres and Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott


This garden is on the move! A good-time, rollicking celebrating of things that grow.

From seeds dropping into soil to corn bursting from its stalks, from children chasing butterflies to ants burrowing underground, everything in this vibrant picture book pulses with life — in all directions! Sprightly illustrations set the mood for a rhythmic text that follows nature’s course to a final feast of backyard bounty.

Extension Activities

More Extension Activities

Up Down and Around Book Cover

Story Trail is made possible through generous donations from McCall Homes and Billings Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Fortin Foundation and Nick and Linda Cladis. Thank you for your support!

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