57th Street Children's Book Fair

The 57th Street Children's Book Fair is a fall tradition in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It began 24 years ago as a back-to-school celebration, and continues to inspire a love of learning and reading through the use of storytelling, music, drama, and dance. Booksellers from around the city congregate to hawk their wares, and there are new and used books at every price point. I picked up several new books for this year's 12 books of Christmas!

In addition to the books, there were dozens of tables set up with kid-friendly activities: balloon twisting, crown making, musical instruments, soccer instruction, parachute making, beading, etc., etc., etc.

There were also stages of performers. We spent a long time watching a local school of dance showcase their talents. Izzie was absolutely rapt, especially by the woman who managed to keep about 20 hoolie hoops going for several minutes. Iz declared "wow, she musta practiced for a lotta lotta days!"

To kick things off, there was a parade populated by many favourite storybook characters. Mother Goose:

One of the Wild Things:

And a Tugboat:

My children are not shy about approaching people in costume.

We ended the day with a storyteller. He sang a song that got Izzie up and dancing. The crowd (and the storyteller) seemed highly entertained by her antics! And all that dancing definitely works up a thirst!