C.Y. Stephens’ Youth Matinee continues with childhood favorites

Courtesy of Iowa State Center

A puppet show based on the books and illustrations by Eric Carle, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is one of many tales this play will feature.

Maggie Curry

Stephens Auditorium continues its Youth Matinee series with three shows based on children’s and young adult books, including puppets in “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Alexander Who’s Not, Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going to Move” and a story about Anne Frank.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and Other Eric Carle Favorites

When: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. March 8

Recommended for grades PreK-2

Based on the books by Eric Carle, this puppet-performed show brings to life Carle’s illustrations in “Little Cloud”, “The Mixed-Up Chameleon” and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” All three stories emphasize individuality.

“Alexander Who’s Not, Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going to Move”

When: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. April 1

Recommended for grades K-4

As you can probably guess, Alexander is not thrilled about moving to a new town. Based on the book by Judith Viorst, Alexander helps children discover the true meaning of home and how to handle big changes.

“Through the Eyes of a Friend: The World of Anne Frank”

When: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. April 18

Recommended for grades 5-12

Told through the eyes of Anne Frank’s fictional best friend Sarah Weis, who grows up with Anne and encounters her again in the concentration camps, the story is based on the testimonials of those who knew Anne Frank during her life and of the young people throughout Europe who experienced the Holocaust.

For more information, visit the Iowa State Center’s website.