News : Magic, comedy help teach importance of reading

Parrot Hannah McGowan tickles the nose of pirate Colston Nielson.

Seth Patterson was "Dead Eye" in a story told by Mike Prestby.

Youngsters laugh during the performance by Mike Prestby.

Many students were allowed to participate in the story-telling.

Tristan Brustman was the Oyster; Gerodyn Webster the grain of sand in this story.

Magician and comedian Mike Prestby visited Vinton Monday morning, sharing lessons about reading and life as he brought his show to the Summer Reading Program participants.

Prestby invited several children to participate in telling his stories, which featured comedy and illusions, as well as puppets.