'Books Alive!' for kids

Evanston Public Library Friends will help kick off the library's Summer Reading Game with a series of three children’s literature events on consecutive Saturdays in June.

Local authors, artists and actors bring children’s books to life through creative expression from puppet making to turnip planting to dramatic group participation, story making, crafts and fun.

Authors will present and sign copies of their books to be given away as gifts to participants.

No registration is necessary for the program, which is funded by a grant from the Woman's Club of Evanston. Each event will be at a different library location around Evanston where registration for the Summer Reading Game will be available.

On Saturday, June 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., author/illustrator and co-founder of Evanston’s Theater Zarko, Laura Nyman Montenegro will be at The Mighty Twig, 900 Chicago Ave.

Montenegro, author of A Poet’s Bird Garden, will enchant children as they enter the world of the picture book maker. Through the creation of a story with the audience, with a life-size puppet accompanying her, Montenegro reveals the inner workings of the artist’s life. Children will make a puppet to take home. A free copy of A Poet Bird’s Garden will be given to participants and food will be provided by Whole Foods. The event is best-suited for ages 5-12.

On Saturday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., former District 65 librarian and local author Denia Hester will bring her book Grandma Lena’s Big Ol’ Turnip to life at the north branch library, 2026 Central St.

With tales of family, community and service, Hester will engage each child’s imagination. After storytelling, it’s time to get out the turnip seeds, get down and do some real planting. Each child will bring home a pot they’ve planted with a tiny ol’ turnip seed, as well as a free copy of Hester’s book. The event is best-suited for ages 4-8.

And on Saturday, June 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Dempster/Dodge Summer Reading Stop, Northwestern University’s Imagine U group will bring Bernard Waber’s classic children’s book Lyle, Lyle Crocodile to life.

This interactive, dramatic, family workshop is designed for children with parent/caregiver participation requested. Children will be treated to storytelling and then a fun workshop that gets them pretending, singing and moving as they explore the story together.

Free tickets to Northwestern University’s Imagine U Family Series show Lyle the Crocodile, on stage July 20-29 will be given away to participants, as well as a free copy of the book, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.  The event is best-suited for ages 5-10 with caregiver/parent participation.

For more information, contact Evanston Public Library Friends at 847-560-5600 or write to info@eplfriends.org.

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