KIDSfest and Baby Expo

I have fond memories of my oldest son’s bedtime routine when he was little—the routine of a family that loves to read. About an hour before he went to bed, he and I stacked up our favorite children’s books from home and the library into a tall pile and settled onto the couch for stories galore. Some of the books I could have read with my eyes closed after awhile because I knew the words by heart, like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. 

So I am thrilled that the illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Lois Ehlert, will be in the Book Nook at KIDSfest for a book reading. There is something special about hearing authors and illustrators read their own work to kids, sharing their passions with the next generation. Ms. Ehlert’s passion is clearly for her artwork, which is so appealing to children and adults alike. Her work has received awards from the Society of Illustrators, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

And as if hearing her read her stories isn’t enough, she’ll then be giving away autographed copies of two of her books, thanks to generous donors. Compliments of Scholastic, 70 lucky kids will receive copies of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which was an American Library Association Notable Children's Book and received a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award. Ms. Ehlert will also sign and give away 70 copies of her Caldecott Honor Book, Color Zoo, compliments of HarperCollins Children’s Books. Kids that come to the Book Nook at 2 pm on Sunday, April 15 will receive tickets to exchange for one of these books, while supplies last.  

Opportunities abound that weekend in the Book Nook for kids to hear authors read their own books and to receive books. I can’t do all the authors justice in one blog post, but here’s the rest of the lineup:

• Award-winning author Janet Halfmann will read her new book, Home in the Cave, and autograph 70 of a variety of her books, compliments of Sylvan Dell Publishing.
• Jan Uebelherr will read Little Mahal and the Search for a Real Mom, about the Milwaukee County Zoo’s endearing baby orangutan, compliments of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Dennis Biddle, president of Yesterday’s Negro Baseball League Foundation, will read excerpts of his book, Secrets of the Negro Baseball League.
• Stacey Williams-Ng will read her book, Astrojammies, originally published as an iPad app, and now also available in hardcover.
• Sharlene Merline will read her new book, Sharlene and Her Animal Friends.

Some of your kids’ favorite book characters will also appear throughout the weekend in the Book Nook—Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, Little Critter and Brother and Sister Bear (from the Berenstain Bear family). And they will be giving out even more books throughout the weekend—200 books from the Clifford the Big Red Dog series, compliments of Scholastic, and approximately 35 copies of a variety of titles donated by Usborne Books & More. So when your kids get home, they can add a book to their pile of favorites, or maybe get a pile started.

For the detailed schedule of Book Nook offerings, go to pages 28-29 of the current issue of metroparent.

I’m sure you’ve seen your kid’s jaw drop to the ground before; maybe out of shock, surprise, or out of total astonishment? Or maybe you haven’t. Well this year, not only will their jaw drop, but yours will too!

David Seebach has magically reappeared on our list of entertainers. David will be bringing entertainment, drama, humor, surprise, and mystery for you and your family. After a lot of thought and head-scratching, you might find yourself trying to spread the magic back at home. Magicians are great for all ages and can bring the family together for fun and entertainment.

David has been coming to KIDSfest for years, but this year, he’s bringing a friend! The name: Ardan James. Ever heard of him before? He’s been to Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and 48 states, but Milwaukee brings him home. Performing professionally for over 15 years, Ardan writes his own material and brings a unique act to the table. He combines comedy illusions, magic illusions, ventriloquism, music, dance, and my personal favorite—audience participation. The show is guaranteed to be 100% appropriate and packed, like a rabbit-in-a-hat, with laughter.

I remember a time when I was younger and my family was out to dinner in Wisconsin Dells. We did a week’s vacation which, for my siblings and I, meant doing every Dells activity we possibly could while we were there. We did Noah’s Ark, downtown shopping, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and I think we even did a haunted house that year. But there was one part of the trip I could not forget, and it was a magician.

During our dinner, a street magician came over to the table and performed a simple card trick. I wrote my name on the card of my choice with a permanent marker and the magician made it disappear. There I sat—mouth wide open and amazed. It was, well, magical!

Now, as I look back, I remember my dad’s face. He didn’t know what to expect and it drove him to hilarity. He wanted to know exactly how to do it. It was the street magician who told him, “its magic!” I felt a whole new connection with my dad as we sat at the table, pondering and laughing.

I don’t know if I could tell you that I believe in magic, but I can tell you one thing for sure, that it is magical. Magicians like David and Ardan can bring a family to the same level. It is not only entertainment, but this bonding experience can be a part of your child’s favorite memories.

And the best part—it’s all included! David Seebach and Ardan James will be performing on our Main Stage for free. David performs on Saturday, April 14th at 12:30pm and Sunday, April 15th at 1:30pm. Ardan is scheduled for 3:30pm on Saturday. Check them out! Visit their websites and come see them live.

Along with our amazing magicians, we have juggler and unicyclist, T.J Howell coming to the Main Stage both days and the comedy juggler, Truly Remarkable Loon on Sunday at 3:00pm. Again, all included with admission!

Our magicians along with our other performers will paint the smiles, the memories, and the laughter on your family’s faces.

But wait—the Main Stage does not stand alone! You can find the whole program guide in April’s edition of Metroparent Magazine. Our Kids Stage, World Music Stage, and Animals & Nature stage will fill your family day with entertainment and bring that magically moment to you all! Bring it all together this year’s Metroparent KIDSfest & Baby Expo, presented by North Shore Bank.