Illinois

After an extremely hot and dry summer, Chicago got a spark that grew into something unimiginable and unforgettable on Oct. 8, 1871.

On Oct. 8, 1871, what became known as "the Great Chicago Fire" was a massive firestorm that moved faster than most men could run, fueled by southwest winds of at least 30 miles per hour. The heat was so intense it melted stone and brick buildings in minutes and turned sand on the lakeshore into glass. A total of 18,000 buildings were destroyed. About 100,000 were left homeless, and over 300 lost their lives. The very same day, and nearly the same hour, both the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and Peshtigo, Wisconsin, suffered similar firestorms. Peshtigo's was even worse, creating an event that came to be known as "the Peshtigo Paradigm." Many people believe the three fires forming a huge triangle of destruction were related as one with cosmic causes, and it remains a mystery to this day. Authors and native Chicagoans John Boda and Ray Johnson take you inside this historic happening.

Next stop, Chicago! That's the shout from conductor Martha Day Zschock, who has taken children and their delighted parents on Journeys Around Boston, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Maine, Nantucket, and Cape Cod since starting this bestselling series in 1999. Hop aboard the L, circle the Loop, board a water taxi, walk the waterfront! From the Lincoln Park Zoo to Wrigley Field, from the Magnificent Mile to Navy Pier, Journey Around Chicago from A to Z takes readers on a tour of the Second City that is second to none. Over 250,000 copies of Zschock's work are in print, perhaps because Zschock is not only a brilliant artist but also a committed educator, whose books are embraced by teachers and principals nationwide.

What do you get when you cross a read-aloud storybook with a write-in memory book?
Magic moments between kids and adults!
The Lucky to Live in Illinois book is the perfect tool to jump-start meaningful conversations between generations. Read-aloud rhymes set up interesting topics. Then write-in prompts invite children to record their own views to create a personal Prairie State keepsake.
The real gift lies in the interactive nature of the book as it offers the perfect opportunity for adults to share their own stories and wisdom about such issues as friendship, community, team spirit, and other topics that help develop a child's social and emotional skills. Customized Illinois content--from favorite local cuisine (deep-dish pizza) to interesting attractions (Lincoln Home National Historic Site)--provides an even more personalized experience.

Read-aloud time is about to get a lot more fun!

The Illinois Wise Animal Handbook offers laugh-out-loud animal kingdom advice for kids of every age! Engaging animal photos entertain while charming read-aloud rhymes help jump-start conversations about practical life solutions.
The Read Together/Do Together? experience continues with pull out coloring pages in the back of the book featuring fun facts about special Prairie State animals including the northern cardinal and painted turtle.
Enjoy the opportunity to share your own practical wisdom with your favorite little one as you read-aloud... and laugh-aloud....again and again.