Arriving from everywhere at all hours, children and teens are coming from schools and home to partake in the marvelous “Sea of Stories” at the Children’s Book Fair that forms part of the 11th International Book Fair of Santo Domingo 2008.

“A Sea of Stories,” as the 2008 children’s section of being called, is honoring this year’s special guest, The Association of Caribbean States, to whom the fair is dedicated.

The Children’s Book Fair, one of the most visited sections of this year’s fair, is bringing children into contact with books through readings, storytelling, games and shows being offered in various pavilions.

“A Sea of Stories,” as the 2008 children’s section of being called, is honoring this year’s special guest, The Association of Caribbean States, to whom the fair is dedicated.

Dulce Elvira de los Santos, coordinator of the Children’s Fair, along with a team of artists and educators, conceived of the magical world of storybook characters. She described her work as way “of awakening a taste and enthusiasm for books and an enjoyment for the written and spoken word…getting children involved in the fascinating world of stories, we transport them into the world of books.”

“A Sea of Stories” offers everything a young reader could want, according to the invitation to the program that describes the activities as: “Stories as games and games as stories. Stories from the beginning and back again - stories from head to toe. For boys and girls, enjoy a fantasy, fill your hearts with joy.”

The activities begin at 9:00 a.m. daily and end at 6:00 p.m.

Each hour, on the hour, the activities get underway and they include puppet shows, dancing, painting workshops and music appreciation workshops. A huge selection of books are also available in the pavilions near the gardens and stages in the children’s area.

(Photo gallery under construction)