At King George Public School in Chatham, there’s a tradition that has captured the hearts of students, families, and community members alike: the Mystery Reader program. Since its start in November 2016—when beloved former teacher and community figure Pete Cobb stepped in as the very first reader—this initiative has grown into something truly special.
Every Friday, the excitement begins with a secret. Students know a guest is coming, but who? Clues trickle in, guesses fly, and anticipation builds until the big reveal. When that door opens, the joy on the children’s faces is unforgettable. It’s story time, but it’s also an experience that sparks curiosity, connection, and a lifelong love of reading.
The goals of the program are simple yet powerful: build excitement around literacy, introduce positive reading role models, strengthen early literacy skills, and connect students with the diverse roles people play in the community.
Over the years, King George has welcomed an incredible lineup of readers—from local heroes to national stars. WNBA’s Bridget Carleton surprised students in 2018 by bringing the entire Iowa State Basketball Team along to read Alli’s Basketball Dream. Police officers, firefighters, radio hosts, military veterans, and even LKDSB Directors of Education have all taken a turn in the spotlight. Each visit leaves a lasting impression, creating moments that students carry with them long after the story ends.
“At King George, we believe that literacy is the heartbeat of our school, and our Mystery Reader tradition brings that pulse to life every Friday” explains King George Principal, Danielle Maryschuk. “Watching the sheer delight on our students' faces when a member of our community—whether it’s the mayor, local firefighters, or even the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers—walks through the door is truly infectious. This program does more than just share a story; it bridges the gap between our classrooms and the wider Chatham community, showing our students that reading is a lifelong joy shared by people from all walks of life.”
What makes this program extraordinary is the interaction. Students don’t just listen—they engage. They ask thoughtful, sometimes surprising questions: “How do you stay brave as a police officer?” or “What made you decide to serve our country?” These conversations often turn into powerful learning moments, re-affirming that literacy opens doors far beyond the page.
As King George Kindergarten Educator Brittney Brown reflects:
“One of the most touching parts is that we don’t just see students learning from our readers, we see our readers learning from our students, too. There are moments when a guest will pause, smile and say they’ve never been asked a question like that before. Those moments remind us how meaningful a child’s perspective can be.”
The Mystery Reader program has blossomed through the Lambton Kent District School Board beyond King George, inspiring other schools to bring this magic into their classrooms. It’s a celebration of community, curiosity, and connection—a tradition that shows what happens when a school truly feels like family.