Miss Branson 2024, Jessie Terry, visited the Library Center of the Ozarks on Saturday.
Jessie, a published author and illustrator, shared the story of Paddington the Bear with the children. The event was part of Branson's Holocaust Education and Awareness Week. The theme of this year's Holocaust Week was Children of the Holocaust: Before, During and After.
Jessie was joined by Shirah Miriam "MiMi" Aumann, who explained to the children, on their level, about the Holocaust, as well as Paddington the Bear's connection to the Holocaust. Author Michael Bond, who wrote a series of books featuring the famous Bear, explained many years ago that the character of Paddington was inspired by the Jewish refugee children whom he had seen arrive at London's Reading Train Station during World War II.
Children in attendance received a special Paddington memento. The children also enjoyed visiting with Jessie and MiMi following the presentation.