If you are a fellow lit-lovin’ Chicago parent, you are probably just as thrilled about the brand-spanking new American Writers Museum as I am. But with all of the museum hoopla, don’t overlook a tried-and-true option for your family to get wordy for a whole weekend. The Printers Row Lit Fest flips open for its 33rd year on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11.
Nili Yelin, a children’s storyteller, will be holding down the fort in Lil’ Lit Park (located on the west side of Dearborn Street, about halfway between Harrison and Polk streets) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. All of the family-friendly events at Lil’ Lit park are free, and I’d like to highlight four that could be just right for your pint-sized crew.
For your mini music mavens
Do you have little ones who start shakin’ it every time music is in the air? If so, don’t miss Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players as they bring the beats from 11:00-11:45 a.m. and 2:00-2:45 p.m. on Saturday. Roberts will also be sharing his newest children’s book: “The Great Henry Hopendower” from 1:15-1:45 p.m. on Saturday.
For your kiddo who can’t stop drawing
Husband and wife Christopher Weyant and Anna Kang have teamed up to write and illustrate children’s books such as “You Are (Not) Small,” “Can I Tell You a Secret?” and “That’s (Not) Mine.” Your kiddos can take in the action as this creative pair reads aloud and draws from 3-3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
For your sci-fi child
An out-of-this world event called “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian Live!” features author Jonathan Messinger and his son 7-year-old Griffin Messinger. The duo has a hit sci-fi podcast and will be performing an original live episode. The choose-your-own-adventure style invites the audience to decide the path that characters take and to provide sound effects, too! Don’t miss this unique experience from 1:45-2:15 p.m. on Sunday.
For your little one with a big love of sports
It’s not every day that your children have an opportunity to see a former Chicago Bears player! Israel Idonije will be sharing DreamKidz Adventures, the book series that he wrote. Idonije has worked in youth programming since high school and has a goal that is sure to benefit your children on or off of the field. He strives to help kids understand their own worth. Check out Idonije’s interactive reading from 3:30-4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
This Printers Row Lit Fest has so many possibilities for fun, so be sure to take a peek and find other great options for your family. If you have a solid plan mapped out when the week rolls around, you can just load up your little lit-lovers and book it to the fest!
