QUALITYstarsNY is excited to support the New York State Literacy Trail, launched by Governor Kathy Hochul.

This initiative encourages early literacy and outdoor exploration by pairing 10 children’s books with 10 NY State Parks. Each book celebrates the joy of reading and the wonder of the natural world—designed for children, families, and providers to enjoy together.

We asked our staff to visit their local Literacy Trail park and share photos of themselves with the books in nature, as well as share some thoughts about what it means for children and families to enjoy time spent outdoors. Our Quality Improvement Specialists were able to reach eight of the ten Literacy Trail locations. View the books, our staff, and the beautiful scenery of New York State below.

The Parks We Visted and the Books We Read:

  • Allegany State Park
    Featured Book: Children of the Forest by Matt Myers

  • Letchworth State Park
    Featured Book: Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming by Steve Asbell

  • Watkins Glen State Park
    Featured Book: All the World / Todo El Mundo by Liz Garton Scanlon

  • Green Lakes State Park
    Featured Book: When You Can Swim by Jack Wong

  • Thacher State Park
    Featured Book: Outside In / Un Bosque en Mí by Deborah Underwood

  • Taconic State Park
    Featured Book: Owl Moon / Luna de Búho by Jane Yolen

  • Clay Pit Ponds State Park
    Featured Book: The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

  • Hempstead Lake State Park
    Featured Book: Stellaluna / Stelaluna by Janell Cannon