The Friars Club hosted dozens of kids from Homes for the Homeless this Saturday for a reading of What’s Making Walter C. Laugh? by Ginny Jordan.

Drawing inspiration from P.T. Barnum’s belief that, “there is no picture so beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children; no music so sweet as their clear and ringing laughter,” the co-sponsors of the event chose Jordan’s book for its whimsical scenes, which include a goldfish dancing with a banana on the kitchen table, and a snowman eating pizza in a bathtub. The end of the book even includes blank pages for children to add their own ideas.

The Friar’s Club– along with partners at Delta Kappa Gamma, The Friars National Association Foundation, Leonard Friedland Family Charitable Foundation, Logan Transportation Company, and Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP– went above and beyond, providing the children with a day of fun. The reading was preceded by a sing-along, then followed by animal BINGO, coloring time, and games. The children were given free copies of the book, along with fun animal masks, sunglasses, and snacks.

“It was great to see the kids interact with the author and her book,” says Homes for the Homeless Deputy Chief Operating Officer John Greenwood, “It’s always wonderful to have an event where children and parents are able to participate in a fun reading activity. Ginny did an excellent job expanding their reading skills in a fun and engaging way.”