Storytime with SHORT the Squirrel
Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, college sorority sisters, reunited through a shared passion to develop a literacy program for Alabama’s youngest citizens. The idea hatched when McRae Young, a new Mobile County Assistant District Attorney (and Monica’s daughter), noticed how children coming to court lacked materials to occupy themselves as electronic devices are not permitted in Alabama courtrooms.
Years ago, McRae and Monica co-authored a children’s book review column together. Drawing upon this background, Monica began developing an idea for an activity booklet and recruited Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, an education professor at Troy University and former school principal.
The two women created SHORT, a curious squirrel who wants to help children explore their surroundings, starting with the courtrooms of Alabama. Coincidentally, also in 2020, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Literacy Act declaring all Alabama children will be reading on or above grade level by third grade. Bennett and Young hope SHORT will become a statewide initiative, funded through generous sponsorships, positively affecting each young citizen who meets SHORT.
Episodes
Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
7 min
In this episode: "Where SHORT Loves to Read" by Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, read by Caleb Quick
Storytime with SHORT the Squirrel is produced in the studios of Troy Public Radio by Austin Toy.
Special thanks to Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, Monica Anderson Young, Reana Wallace, Tori Lee Averett, and the Pied Pipers from the Department of Theatre and Dance at Troy University.
May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
12 min
In this episode: "Sydney and the Masquerade" by Kay Whaley, read by Caleb Quick
Storytime with SHORT the Squirrel is produced in the studios of Troy Public Radio by Austin Toy.
Special thanks to Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, Monica Anderson Young, Reana Wallace, Tori Lee Averett, and the Pied Pipers.
Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
9 min
SHORT the Squirrel is Alabama's official literacy mascot. His mission is to help children discover the magic of reading and teach them that "waiting time is reading time."
In this episode: "Why SHORT Loves to Read" by Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett
What's your favorite book or story? Send a message to SHORT by Tree-mail at contact@shortthesquirrel.com
Storytime with SHORT the Squirrel is produced in the studios of Troy Public Radio by Austin Toy.
Today's story is read by Caleb Quick.
Special thanks to Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, Monica Anderson Young, Reana Wallace, Tori Lee Averett, and the Pied Pipers.