Fresh storytelling

While  Harvard’s Farmers’ Market is known for transforming the Science Center Plaza into a farm fresh mecca, it also hosts a weekly read-aloud where children of all ages can enjoy stories read by a Cambridge Public Library (CPL) staff member.

Recently, the CPL’s Julie Roach read to an audience of six children who gathered around on a green rug decorated with cartoon vegetables.

“The title of this book is ‘It’s Me, Parsnip.’ Do any of you know what parsnip is?” Roach asked.

The children, who ranged in age from 7 months to 3 years old, enjoyed Roach’s animated storytelling. Mia Kimmel’s curiosity got the better of her — she wandered over for a closer look at the pictures. By the third reading of Roach’s selections, Kimmel had made friends with fellow 1-year-old Helen Lepionka — the two shared a rubber duck as they played in the center of the rug.

The food-themed readings happen every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3 p.m., and often feature simple cooking activities with ChopChop Magazine. All ages are welcome.

“I like to see kids get excited over a book,” said Roach. “There’s something magical about that.”

The Harvard Farmers’ Market season, Tuesdays, noon to 6 p.m., continues through Oct. 29. The Allston Farmers’ Market is Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 25 at 168 Western Ave.