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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Comprehension Quiz

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A Carousel Of Dreams

This summer a carousel of fantasy animals will twirl at Riverbank State Park in New York City. But it won't hold the usual herd of painted ponies. Instead giant spiders will pull a chariot, and a plaid zebra will prance beside a two-headed octopus. These creatures were invented by kids from the Harlem neighborhood and turned into a carousel by Milo Mottola, 32.

Mottola, who used to design museum exhibits, was picked in 1993 to plan a carousel for the park. He decided to ask the neighborhood for creative ideas. "I knew that Harlem should be part of the job," he says.

Mottola held drawing classes in the park. Dressed as a knight in sponge rubber, he taught the kids that carousels come from medieval times. "He was very funny," says Raomei Caro, 10. Raomei's octopus was among the 32 animals and two chariots chosen for the carousel.

Mottola says it was tough to choose from the more than 1,000 drawings: "They were all my favorites!" The original drawing will hang above each animal, and the artist's signature will be carved on the floor beneath.

Mottola is putting the finishing touches on flamingos, kangaroos and other creatures. The kids can't wait for the carousel to whirl! Says Grover Austin, 9, whose green lion will join the procession: "I'm going to ride it all summer long."

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