For Schools

Tomás and the Library Lady

By José Cruz González, Music and Lyrics by José Cruz González, Music Arranged and Performed by Adam Jacobson

Grades K-6

Fall: December 1- December 18, 2026
Spring: January 26 – May 14, 2027

Dates and Times based on YOUR schedule
Up to 3 performances per day

Location: Your School! Your Community Venue!

Performance Prices: $750 for one performance, $1400 for two, $1850 for three on the same day

(additional charges for performances out of Maricopa County)

Tomás and the Library Lady

By José Cruz González, Music and Lyrics by José Cruz González, Music Arranged and Performed by Adam Jacobson

Moving to a new town means new schools, new friends, and big changes. Anne is determined to fit in, even if it means ignoring her younger brother, Tim. But when they meet their quirky next-door neighbor, Nina Frances Elizabeth Vanderhelden, she opens the door to a world of make-believe, adventure, and unexpected bravery. With only a few moving boxes and wild imaginations, the three set out on an epic journey—battling the child-eating Mooklecratz, creating secret worlds, and discovering the power of storytelling.

The Imaginators is a heartwarming and humorous play that reminds us that imagination is a superpower, friendships are found in unexpected places, and the best adventures begin when you dare to play.

Big Idea: Imagination

Tomás and the Library Lady tells the true story of Tomás Rivera, a young boy whose family travels from Texas to Iowa as migrant farmworkers. Far from home, Tomás feels uncertain about himself and his place in the world. Everything begins to change when he discovers a library and meets the Library Lady, who opens the door to stories, imagination, and new possibilities. As Tomás shares books with his family and grows more confident in both English and Spanish, he begins to see that his voice, his language, and his creativity matter. Based on the book by Pat Mora, this play is a warm and moving celebration of reading, storytelling, and the power of encouragement.

Bonus:

This show is based on the true story of educator Tomás Riviera!

Learn more about the play in video HERE >

BIG IDEA: Power of Storytelling

Book Now

Tomás and the Library Lady connects to English Language Arts standards exploring character, setting, and theme, while also an opportunity for students to think about how a story changes when it is adapted from a book to a performance. The play gives teachers rich opportunities to explore Tomás’s growth as a character, the role of books and storytelling in his life, and how stories adapt from real life, to book and ultimately to the stage.

Discounted in-school performance fees are underwritten by Susan Goldsmith.

Tomás and the Library Lady is produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing.

Extend the Experience with a Post-Show Workshop

Support student engagemement and extend learning with interactive drama activities connected to the themes of the show!

1 Workshop: $65

2 Workshops: $120

3 Workshops: $165

each additional workshop: $50

Want to learn more? Contact Danielle James at djames@childsplayaz.org