A dragon can start an adventure long before anyone sees it. A rumor, a worried king and a princess willing to ask questions are enough to set a story in motion, inviting young audiences to wonder what might happen next.
That mystery is coming to a Stockton neighborhood library when Puppet Art Theater presents Tale of the Dragon’s Tail on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The all-ages program is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. at Maya Angelou Branch Library, 2324 Pock Lane.
A Princess With Questions
According to the theater company’s synopsis, Princess Penny returns from traveling to discover trouble at home. A dragon has reportedly appeared near the castle, and her father has been handing over the kingdom’s gold to a wizard who promises protection. Penny is skeptical.
The setup gives children more to follow than a creature with a long tail. There is a puzzle: what does the wizard know, and should the king believe him? Families can encounter the answer together as the story unfolds, rather than knowing every turn in advance.
The performance also offers an easy conversation starter afterward. Asking a child which character they trusted, or what clue made them suspicious, leaves room for the child’s own interpretation. A shared story can continue on the trip home.
A Neighborhood Place for the Performing Arts
A puppet show brings a different kind of storytelling into a building associated with books. Characters have voices, movement and a stage presence, and the audience shares the experience in the same room. For a child unfamiliar with live theater, that can be an approachable introduction to watching a story performed.
The setting matters locally. Families do not have to make a separate trip to a formal theater to find this program; it is taking place at their neighborhood branch. The library lists the show for all ages, allowing parents, grandparents and children to consider an outing together.
Maya Angelou Branch Library has its own place in Stockton’s cultural life. The library’s official history says it opened in 1996 following an inauguration ceremony and speech by its namesake, Dr. Maya Angelou. Hosting a visiting storyteller continues the connection between the branch and the spoken word.
Before You Go
The branch’s regular Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and its website lists free parking in the lot in front of the library. Families can check the calendar for updates before making the trip.
The event listing does not state an admission charge or explain whether registration is required. Those details remain unconfirmed; families should contact the library at 209-937-7701 before attending rather than assume either a fee or a reservation policy.
Event Details
- Event: Puppet Art Theater’s Tale of the Dragon’s Tail
- Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Time: 4–5 p.m. Pacific time
- Venue: Maya Angelou Branch Library, 2324 Pock Lane, Stockton, CA 95205
- Audience: All ages
- Official event information: Library event listing
- More about the story: Puppet Art Theater’s show description
For Stockton families, the afternoon offers a reason to see a familiar library through a child’s imagination, as a place where a story can step off the shelf and come to life.