Kids Read partners with Paris theme at libraries

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Steve Belliveau will share the magic of science with guests at the Woodridge Public Library on March 8. The event is part of this year's Kids Read, which includes 30 events at 10 libraries, all linked to the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:35AM

The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brain Selznick, is the inspiration for an Oscar-nominated movie. It made Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine’s recently published list of the 100 Greatest Books for Kids. And it’s the book chosen for this year’s annual Kids Read event.

Kids Read, which involves 10 area libraries, invites young readers everywhere to enjoy a common read, as well as dozens of related activities inspired by the book.

Mary Jo Wolsky of the Indian Prairie Public Library said she suggested the book as this year’s choice.

“We were looking for something that would be a good partner for The Paris Wife,” the choice for this year’s Big Read for adults, she said. The Big Read runs simultaneously at all 10 libraries.

While the Big Read encourages older readers to experience The Paris Wife, younger readers are invited to read about 12-year-old Hugo, who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station in the 1930s.

“Most of the story takes place in a train station in Paris,” Wolsky said.

With its 526 pages, the book at first might look daunting to a young reader, until they realize that more than 300 of the book’s pages are filled with pictures, each of which helps to carry the story along and bring Hugo to life.

The 30 parties, shows and activities that are planned at the participating libraries also are designed to help readers fully experience Hugo and his adventures.

Wolsky is particularly excited about the Science Fair and French Snacks event planned at Indian Prairie on March 30. Mad Science of DuPage County will do three science programs, each of which relates back to Hugo’s story. Snacks will be provided by Whole Foods.

Kids Read events include magic shows, science activities, Lego Nights, an afternoon tree, and a chance to experience some French cuisine.

“Parents and children will be making food,” said Alice Kuhn, assistant department head of youth and young adults services at Hinsdale Public Library, of the library’s March 8 event.

A magic show also is part of Hugo’s story, prompting the Hinsdale library to host Mad Science: The Science of Magic on March 17. Kuhn said participants will learn the science behind the magicians’ illusions.

“It is going to be a lot of fun,” she said.

A brochure of all Kids Read events, including a series of nine unique parties to be held at nine different libraries, is available online and at participating libraries.

Participating libraries are Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Indian Prairie. La Grange, LaGrange Park, Lisle, Thomas Ford, Westmont and Woodridge. Readers are welcome at any event at any library, regardless of where they live. Information is available at thebigread.org under the Kids Read Too! tab.

All events are free, but registration is required. To register, contact the host library.