by Ben Schrag

On Wednesday, July 9th, the Ames Public Library will host two very special guests from the PBS Kids show Wimee’s Words (pronounced WHIM-ee). Michael Hyacinthe, founder of the interactive educational app Wimage and creator of Wimee’s Words, will be joined by the lovable robot Wimee who will livestream onto the library auditorium’s big screen!

Wimee’s Words began in 2016 as part of Michael Hyacinthe’s mission to spark children’s creativity through the Wimage app, which transforms words into images. Believing in the app’s potential for interactive storytelling and learning, Michael reached out to his longtime friend and accomplished puppeteer, Kevin Kammeraad. The two began developing interactive presentations for preschools, Head Starts, and elementary classrooms. As they worked together, both the Wimage platform and the character of Wimee continued to evolve.

In 2020, with in-person workshops on hold, Michael and Kevin adapted their creative efforts into a web-based kids’ show—Wimee’s Words. The show encourages imagination, vocabulary development, and storytelling through puppetry, music, and wordplay. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of Michael and Kevin, Wimee’s Words has grown tremendously. The show now reaches over 40 million homes through PBS and has published books with HarperCollins.

When I heard that Michael and Wimee were visiting APL, I was thrilled. But I was extra excited to hear Kevin Kammeraad’s name! You see, the puppetry world is fairly close-knit. A few years ago, my wife—also a puppeteer—served on the board of Puppeteers of America, the same board where Jim Henson was once a member. During that time, we attended several regional and national puppet festivals and had the pleasure of seeing Kevin perform in person. I can tell you: Kevin is an exquisitely talented puppeteer, as well as an award-winning artist, performer, and children’s author. Through Wimee, he channels a gentle positivity and creative energy that’s truly in the spirit of Jim Henson and Sesame Street. Seeing Kevin’s work is a real treat.

Come see for yourself next week at the Ames Public Library! And make sure to come early as this is replacing our regular Wednesday storytime—moved to the auditorium and starting earlier than usual at 10am. This program will be best enjoyed by ages 3-10, but all ages are welcome, including parents and caregivers! Michael and Wimee will inspire young readers through stories, songs, and creativity. Everyone is invited to join the fun—singing, creating, and laughing together.