‘Pete the Cat’ author to visit BGSU’s Literacy in the Park

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Children’s author and musician Eric Litwin, best known for his “Pete the Cat” books, is the featured presenter at Bowling Green State University’s Literacy in the Park April 5. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stroh Center.

In addition to a performance and book signings by Litwin, there will be new booths offering hands-on literacy activities, interactive technology games, special prizes and crafts. Children will have the chance to read with a Falcon athlete and hear members of the Toledo Opera perform.

“In honor of our 10th anniversary, we’ve expanded the focus of Literacy in the Park this year to address all of the different ways literacy is important in our lives,” said Dr. Dawn Shinew, director of the School of Teaching and Learning. “Families will have opportunities to engage in activities about financial literacy, nutritional literacy and many other forms of literacy that can be found in their lives and communities.”

The following organizations will also be on hand: Imagination Station, Toledo Zoo, Toledo Opera, Help Me Grow, Wood County Health District, Early Intervention Program from the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Wood County District Public Library, WBGU, BGSU’s Curriculum Resource Center, Martha Gesling Weber Reading Center and Office of Admissions. 

Complimentary refreshments and lunch will be provided. In addition, each family will receive a bag with a free “Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes” book, while supplies last. Litwin will perform from 10:15.-11 a.m., with a book signing following at 11:15. Lunch will be served from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. A second book-signing session will take place from noon-12:30 p.m.

Litwin’s “Pete the Cat” books have sold over 1.5 million copies, been translated into seven languages and won 15 state and national awards. A nationally respected speaker on interactive literacy and music, he is the co-creator of The Learning Groove, which offers parent and child music classes and preschool music curriculum.

Literacy in the Park is made possible by the generosity of the Joseph and Judith Conda family of Perrysburg, and BGSU’s College of Education and Human Development and School of Teaching and Learning.

For more information or to pre-register, visit www.bgsu.edu/literacyinthepark.