West Windsor, N.J. -- Are you ready to make silly sounds? Are you ready to shout and move about?

That was the challenge posed to a packed house of youngsters ages 2 to 5 who answered with a resounding "yes" at Lawrence Library on May 10 as MCCC's Mud Pie Players presented a high energy, interactive performance of children's stories.

In what has become an annual tradition, this service learning activity connected with the course "Oral Interpretation of Literature" (CMN 212) allows Mercer students to blend the study of poetry, prose, drama, and children literature with the performing arts. Directed by faculty member Kathi Paluscio, students prepare for weeks prior to the event, crafting zany characters, rehearsing, and designing colorful props, scenery and costumes for their 45-minute show.

The performance was a huge hit and struck just the right note during Children's Book Week 2010, according to Laura Gruninger, youth services coordinator at the library. In a note, she thanked MCCC students for their wonderfully creative performance. "The children who attended were delighted and many of the teachers and parents complimented us on the program. It was evident that you spent a lot of time planning the content of the program and rehearsing. Your enthusiasm, talent and dedication showed."