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🟢 Now booking Nov & Dec 2026 — Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton & Modesto (925) 605-4655

Two seasons. Two shows. One easy booking.

Interactive puppet & magic library shows built for the two themes you're already programming: 

Dinovember in November and winter holidays in December.

See the November show
See the December show

$395 flat per show · 30–45 min · up to 200 kids · no deposit to hold a date

November · Dinovember

Unearth a Story

Fossil-dig storytelling, stomping dinosaur puppets, and magic that makes discovery feel real.

Read More >>

December · Winter Holidays

The Great Gift Mix-Up

A multi-tradition holiday story with puppets, magic, and a giggling all-ages sing-along finish.

Read More >>

A Track Record of Excellence

Decades of experience bringing joy and learning to schools and libraries across San Francisco Bay Area.

26+

Years of Experience

Trusted since 1998

10,000

Successful Shows

Schools & libraries served

271+

Five-Star Reviews

From educators like you

100%

Fully Insured

Professional & reliable

​​Make Dinovember the loudest month in your library

Our Unearth a Story show turns your program room into a dig site:
kids brush off fossils, help a very opinionated dinosaur puppet
find her missing story, and watch magic reveal what's buried in a book.

Children reacting to interactive dinosaur puppet at library Dinovember program

✔️ Dinosaur puppet & related characters
✔️ Archaeology-themed props and kid-friendly discovery moments
✔️ Magic routines that reveal “hidden stories”
✔️ Optional Q&A or meet-the-puppets at the end
✔️ Photo-op with the dinosaurs (always a hit!)

Duration

30-45 minutes

Capacity

Up to 200 children

Audience

Ideal for ages 3–8

Format

Assemly or Storytime Format 

Hold a November date
Compare both shows

​​One holiday show every family in your community can enjoy

The Great Gift Mix-Up follows a mixed-up mail elf delivering the wrong
presents to the wrong celebrations - a warm, funny way to visit
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and Lunar New Year traditions
without singling anyone out.

Festive holiday puppet and magic show at library

✔️ Multi-tradition by design
✔️ Puppets & magic duo
✔️ All-ages sing-along
✔️ Sensory-friendly option
✔️ Photo-op

Duration

30-45 minutes

Capacity

Up to 200 children

Format

Assemly or Storytime Format 

Audience

Ideal for ages 3–8

Hold a December date
Book both months and save $50

​​Both shows, side by side

Same setup, same price, same simple booking. Pick one - or lock in both and keep one performer for the whole season.

November

Unearth a Story

Best for: Dinovember, STEM & literacy tie-ins
Energy: High - stomping, shouting, digging
Sweet spot: Ages 3-8, school-age after-school crowd
Book by: Oct 10 for prime Saturdays

December

The Great Gift Mix-Up

Best for: Family holiday events & winter break kickoffs
Energy: Warm - funny, cozy, sing-along
Sweet spot: All ages together, 2-10 plus grownups
Book by: Nov 7 for the week before break

Identical logistics: 15–20 min setup · we bring sound · flat $395 · $50 off each extra show the same day.

​​Why Librarians Love Our Show

Discover the benefits that make our program the perfect addition to your summer reading lineup.

Perfect Theme Alignment

Seamlessly integrates with the 'Unearth a Story' summer reading theme, reinforcing discovery and exploration concepts.

High Engagement

Our interactive puppet and magic show captivates children of all ages, encouraging participation and keeping their attention throughout.

Educational & Fun

Combines learning about archaeology, paleontology, and scientific discovery with entertaining storytelling and humor.

Proven Track Record

Trusted by libraries across San Francisco Bay Area with consistently positive feedback from librarians and families alike.

Trusted by Libraries Across San Francisco Bay Area

See what librarians are saying about our summer reading programs

"California Kids Fun presented an entertaining and well-attended kids summer reading program puppet show at our library. The presenter was amiable and flexible with some last-minute changes, and had a relatively simple set up that didn't require much space. He was great with the children and had them cracking up and enthusiastically interacting with the puppets. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to offer fun and affordable entertainment at an event for kids."

Campbell Library

Children's Librarian, Campbell Public Library

"Oh my! Tortoise and the Hare: Race to Read was a wonderful show. It supported our library Summer Reading Celebration at San Jose Public Library perfectly (sjpl.org). Jungle Joe made sure to mention that reading makes us all winners - in fact that theme was a BIG part of his show.😊 His puppets, voices, and magic had kids and adults laughing uproariously. In addition I recommend California Kids Fun for the useful communication with me at the library before and after the show. Rarely have I had such a feel good email exchange with a performer and I have booked and hosted hundreds over the years. Great job!"

San Jose Library

Children's Librarian, San Jose Public Library

"The kids were absolutely mesmerized! The dinosaur puppets were incredible, and the show perfectly complemented our summer reading theme. We'll definitely be booking again."

San Diego Public Library

Children's Librarian, San Diego Public Library

​​

Lock in November and December while dates are open

One call covers both months. Two events, one performer, one invoice - and $50 off your second show.

1️⃣ Contact us

Contact us via phone, email, or book online

booking@californiakidsfun.com

(925) 605-4655

2️⃣ Discuss your program

Discuss your program dates and requirements

3️⃣ Customized quote

Receive a customized quote and confirm your booking

4️⃣ Enjoy

Enjoy a stress-free, engaging summer reading event!

BOOK ONLINE

Have Questions? 
​Let’s Make Library Summer Planning Easy!

Looking for quick info on booking, party prep, or what to expect on your big day? You’re in the right place! Our FAQ section covers everything you need to know for a smooth and magical California Kids Fun experience.

$395 flat for a 30–45 minute program. Extra shows the same day at the same location are $50 off each. No travel fees inside the Bay Area or the Sacramento–Stockton–Modesto region.

Yes! no deposit required. We hold your date while you clear it with your director, board, or Friends of the Library group

No. It's a secular, multi-tradition story that visits several winter celebrations with equal warmth - written specifically for public library audiences.

What space do you need for a library performance?

We're very flexible and have performed in diverse library spaces! Our typical requirements are:
  • Performance area: 8x8 feet (meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces, story time areas all work well)
  • Ceiling height: 8 feet minimum for puppet manipulation
  • Electrical: Access to one standard outlet within 15 feet of performance area
  • Setup time: 15-20 minutes before the program
We've successfully performed in libraries of all sizes and can adapt to your available space. If you're unsure whether your space will work, we're happy to do a virtual consultation.

Do you perform in outdoor spaces for summer reading kick-offs?

Yes! We regularly perform outdoors for library lawn programs, park events, and summer reading celebrations. For outdoor performances, we request:

  • Shaded area (tent, pavilion, or natural shade) to protect children and equipment
  • Access to electrical power (or advance notice to bring our generator)
  • Backup indoor space in case of inclement weather

We bring our own sound system, so audiences up to 200 can hear clearly even outdoors.

How early do you arrive for setup?

We typically arrive 15-20 minutes before the scheduled program start time. This allows us to set up professionally without rushing, test equipment, and be ready to start precisely on time. We understand that library schedules are tight, and we're committed to punctuality.

Can you do multiple programs in one day?

Yes! We offer discounted rates for multiple performances on the same day, which is perfect for serving different age groups or multiple branch locations. For example:

  • Morning program for preschoolers (10:00 AM)
  • Afternoon program for elementary ages (2:00 PM)
  • Or back-to-back programs for large audiences split into groups

This approach maximizes your programming budget while serving more community members.

What if we need to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances?

We completely understand that unexpected situations arise. Our cancellation policy is flexible and library-friendly:

  • Cancel or reschedule anytime with no penalty
  • Full refund if you need to cancel completely
  • We'll work with you to find an alternative date that fits your calendar
  • Last-minute changes are handled with understanding and professionalism

Simply contact us by phone or email as soon as you know there's a change.

When should we book for summer reading programs?

We recommend booking 2-4 months in advance for summer reading programs, as June and July dates fill quickly. Many libraries book in March or April to secure their preferred dates. However, we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests if we have availability, so don't hesitate to reach out even if you're planning on shorter notice.

How do we check your availability?

You can check availability three easy ways:

Call us directly: (925) 605-4655 – We can check our calendar immediately

Email us: booking@californiakidsfun.com – We respond within 24 hours
Book online: Visit our booking page for instant availability check

Can we hold a date while getting approval?

Absolutely! We understand library approval processes can take time. We're happy to hold your preferred date while you:

  • Get approval from your director or board
  • Submit for grant funding
  • Coordinate with your Friends of the Library group
  • Finalize your summer reading calendar

Just let us know you need a hold, and we'll reserve the date.

Do you require a deposit or contract?

No deposit is required at the time of booking – we trust our library partners! We'll send you a simple booking agreement confirming the date, time, program details, and pricing. Payment is due on the day of performance or can be arranged in advance if your library requires invoicing for their accounting processes.

What information do you need from us to book?

To confirm your booking, we just need:

  • Preferred date and time
  • Expected audience size and age range
  • Performance location (library name and address)
  • Contact person name, phone, and email
  • Any special requests or theme customization needs

We'll handle the rest!

What is your pricing for library programs?

Our library program pricing is designed to be accessible and budget-friendly:

  • Single 30-45 minute program: $395
  • Multiple programs same day and same location: Discounted rate $50 per program


Do you offer discounts for library systems or consortiums?

Yes! We offer special pricing for:
  • Multiple branch bookings on the same or consecutive days
  • Library system-wide programming
  • Consortium-coordinated summer reading events
  • Year-round partnership programs
Contact us to discuss volume pricing that works for your budget.

Are there any hidden fees or travel charges?

No hidden fees! The price we quote is the price you pay. We include:
  • All equipment and materials
  • Travel within the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto regions
  • Setup and breakdown time
  • Pre-event consultation and planning support
  • Post-event follow-up and evaluation
If your location is outside our standard service area, we'll discuss any additional travel costs upfront so there are no surprises.

What payment methods do you accept?

We offer flexible payment options to accommodate library accounting procedures:

  • Check (most common for libraries)
  • Purchase order and invoice
  • Credit card or PayPal
  • Cash on day of performance

Payment can be made before the event or on the day of performance – whatever works best for your library's processes.

Are your programs accessible for children with special needs?

Are your programs accessible for children with special needs?
Yes! We're committed to creating inclusive experiences for all children. Our programs naturally accommodate diverse needs:
  • Visual engagement: Colorful puppets and props support visual learners
  • Auditory elements: Clear sound system ensures everyone can hear
  • Movement breaks: Built-in participation opportunities help kinesthetic learners
  • Flexible pacing: We adjust energy and timing based on audience response
If you have specific accessibility concerns or needs (ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly modifications, wheelchair accessibility requirements), please let us know in advance and we'll work with you to ensure all children can participate fully.


Can you accommodate sensory-friendly programs?

Yes! We can modify our programs for sensory-friendly audiences by:
  • Reducing volume levels and sudden loud sounds
  • Providing advance warning for any surprising moments
  • Minimizing bright flashing lights
  • Allowing children to participate from their seats if they prefer
  • Creating a quieter, calmer energy level throughout
Just let us know this is a priority and we'll adjust accordingly.

Do your programs reflect diverse communities and cultures?

Absolutely. We believe representation matters and intentionally incorporate:
  • Diverse puppet characters that reflect Bay Area communities
  • Stories and themes that celebrate different cultures
  • Inclusive language and examples
  • Respectful treatment of all backgrounds and traditions
We're happy to customize content to honor specific cultural celebrations or community demographics at your library.

What about children who are English language learners?

Our programs work wonderfully for multilingual audiences! The visual storytelling, puppetry, and physical comedy transcend language barriers. Children who are still developing English skills actively engage with:
  • Expressive puppet characters and visual storytelling
  • Physical comedy and slapstick humor
  • Participatory elements that don't require verbal responses
  • Universal themes of friendship, discovery, and adventure
Many librarians tell us our programs are particularly valuable for their ESL families.

Can we use photos or videos from the program for marketing?

Yes! We encourage libraries to photograph and share their programs (with appropriate patron permissions). We can also provide:

  • Professional photos from previous library performances
  • Program descriptions and promotional text
  • Logos and graphics for flyers and social media

We're happy to collaborate on marketing materials to help you promote the event and boost attendance.

Do you have promotional materials we can share?

Yes! We provide:

  • Customizable flyer templates with your event details
  • Social media graphics and suggested posts
  • Program descriptions for newsletters and calendars
  • Printable posters for library display

All materials are provided at no cost and can be customized with your library's branding.

Will you promote our event on your social media?

Absolutely! We promote all library programs on our Facebook and Instagram channels, which helps increase community awareness and attendance. We tag your library (if you're on social media) and encourage families to attend. Many libraries see increased turnout from our promotional efforts.

Can we provide feedback or request improvements?

Absolutely! We welcome feedback and use it to continuously improve our programs. After each performance, we're happy to:

  • Schedule a brief debrief call
  • Receive written feedback via email
  • Discuss what worked well and any areas for enhancement
  • Incorporate your suggestions for future programs
Your insights help us serve libraries better.

Will you return for future programs?

We'd love to! Many libraries become year-round partners, booking us for:

  • Annual summer reading kick-offs
  • Winter holiday programs
  • Spring celebrations
  • Monthly preschool storytimes
  • Special community events
We offer preferred scheduling and pricing for repeat partners. Once we've worked together, booking future programs is even easier.
We're here to help make your library programming planning as easy as possible!
Contact us:
We typically respond within 24 hours and look forward to partnering with your library to create magical learning experiences for your community!
Have Questions? Text Us - Fast Reply! ⚡