Harrisburg schools enjoy Celebrity Reader day

East and West Side schools got a treat Thursday afternoon as members of the community visited the classrooms to read.

The Celebrity Readers program is more than story time. The storytellers bring along props, treats and costumes related to their chosen subject.

Trisha Johnson read a book about a police service dog and brought as her prop her husband, Harrisburg Police Sgt. Whipper Johnson, dressed in full tactical uniform. Kids from Katie Berry's fifth grade class asked questions as they arose, such as how a service dog can get out of the police unit by himself. Whipper Johnson said the Harrisburg police vehicle has a door that opens remotely at the push of the officer's handheld button. He also brought a shield police use when in a riot situation.

Sheriff Keith Brown passed out children's pamphlets addressing bullying and safety as he read a book that dealt with gardening, a tortoise, a hare and a bear. He kept Jason Roper's fifth grade class engaged, asking questions to a show of hands. He found out a few help to tend gardens at home.

Elizabeth Woodworth read a book about animals that knit to Julie McRoy's class. She wore her own knitted hat when the narrative called for it.

Rick Brockett wore a beekeeper's outfit as he read to Jake Dixon's fifth grade class.

The Celebrity Readers program is one that entertains and teaches kids in a unique way for a day each year. Few heads were turned away from readers for more than a short time.