Discover a new book among the autumn leaves on Harpswell Cliff Trail

A photo of two interactive props on the Harpswell Storybook Trail taken on October 14. The kind witch from “Room on a Broom” left her cauldron and broom in the forest. Can you find them? Laura Sitterly / The time record

A new book is open for families to enjoy while spending time outdoors along the Harpswell Cliff Trail. “Room on a Broomstick” is featured on signs along a half-mile, serving as a reminder and advertisement for the wonders of nature.

The Storybook Trail runs along Strawberry Creek in Harpswell, offering waterfall views and a rest area. Laura Sitterly / The time record

The British storybook by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler tells the story of a kind witch and her cat who invite other animals to join them on their autumn trips to the using a broomstick.

According to Gina Caldwell, Harpswell’s recreation director, this clever, rhyming story isn’t scary; instead, it teaches how friends can support each other through difficult times.

“We’ve had story walks for three times now,” Caldwell said. “We originally planned a book-related activity for each season, but the trail gets difficult in winter: not everyone has snowshoes or crampons. Now it’s a three-season event.

The Cliff Trail’s main loop is 2.3 miles, marked with white blazes. It offers a view of the summit. The shorter Cut-off trail is marked with yellow blazes and has a path suitable for strollers and people using mobility devices. It runs along Strawberry Creek and offers views of the waterfalls.

The children’s book starts on the Cut-off Trail and then leads to the Fairy House area.

Typically, Caldwell and Kayla Matthews, Harpswell’s recreation program coordinator, handle book selection. They prioritize reading aloud cadence and focus on wellness themes.

“Our goal is to make everyone laugh,” Caldwell said. “During lunch, the staff walks the trail, and adults in their 60s and 70s still find the book entertaining. It has become popular with all age groups.

“Room on a Broom” will be displayed on the Harpswell Cliff Trail until November 1st. Laura Sitterly / The time record

The storybook journey is often enhanced with props for an added element of fun. Guests are invited to collect a witch’s hat, a wand and a yellow hat, objects that have fallen from the broom.

Each page is laminated to resist bad weather. They are mounted on corrugated plastic and attached to wooden stakes, like a garage sale of political signs.

A photo of an interactive prop on the Harpswell Storybook Trail taken on October 14. The good witch from “Room on a Broom” has lost her hat. Can you find it? Laura Sitterly / The time record

“A Room on a Broomstick” has been on display since September 30 and will remain until November 1.

The last page of the story features a QR code that readers can scan with their smartphone, allowing them to interact and leave a review. So far, 43 guests have left comments in the digital registration booklet – relatively fewer than “Mother Bruce” released this summer, which received 323 comments.

“We considered narrating each page and putting a QR code so people with visual limitations could read the content out loud,” Caldwell said. “It’s already an accessible activity, but we’re fine-tuning the details to make it even more accessible. »

Often, junior high or high school students visit the Cliff Trail on school field trips to hike the main loop. Although no educators have yet contacted the recreation department about visiting the storybook trail, Caldwell said she thinks it would be a great idea to get kids off screens and outside in the open air.

To visit “Room on a Broomstick” while it is still displayed, visitors are encouraged to park at the Harpswell Municipal Office located at 263 Mountain Road. The storytelling trail begins on the left side of the field.

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