Annual book fair for young readers coming to 57th Street

The worlds of Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and the Boxcar Children will collide in Hyde Park at the 14th annual 57th Street Children’s Book Fair from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, on 57th Street between Kimbark and Dorchester avenues. The University’s Office of Community Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events are sponsoring the event.

“I want to tell all of the children in Chicago that if they study hard and learn to read well, they can accomplish anything!” said Phillip Jackson, Chief for Education for the City of Chicago and honorary chairman of the fair.

Third-year Lisa Yountchi, dressed as Snow White, and Tara Baldridge of 57th Street Books, dressed as Sheherezade watch as Phillip Jackson, Chief for Education for the City of Chicago and Honorary Chairman of the 57th Street Children’s Book Fair, draws the winning ticket for a backpack full of school supplies. The three appeared at a party given for Bret Harte School third-grade pupils, who completed a Summer Bridge reading program. Yountchi assisted with the third-grade class as part of the Neighborhood Schools program. The 57th Street Children’s Book Fair will take place Sunday, Sept. 24.

“And for the younger children at the book fair, I will personally introduce them to my good friends, Paddington Bear and Peter Rabbit.”

Chicago booksellers will showcase their collections of both new and used children’s books. Singers, dancers and puppeteers will perform in rooms modeled after storybook pictures and on stages throughout the fair.

Professor Dumbledore, headmaster from Harry Potter’s school of magic, will appear, inviting all children to join in a kick-off, storybook parade that will begin at 12:45 p.m. in front of 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St.

The free event also will include face painting and balloons; oversized, interactive storybook versions of Where’s Spot? and The Three Little Pigs; and arts and crafts activities for both children and adults. Among the storytellers will be Mama Edie and Denise Berry-Hanna.

The event is part of World Music Festival Chicago and will feature performances by Music for China, performing traditional opera and folk music. Members of the Hyde Park School of Ballet, Najwa Dance Corps and Alyo Children’s Dance Theater will perform as well.