How exciting would it be to have some of the same adventures as characters in books, going to the places they have gone, eating in the same restaurants and perhaps even meeting the authors? From these two passions, I developed the first of a series of book trips, “Chicago Comes Alive.”
The first adventure will take place August 22-25 of 2013 and will allow attendees to literally “live the books.” Designed for mothers/grandmothers/special friends and girls 8-11 years of age, the group will travel to the Chicago settings showcased in three award-winning young reader books. The books (to be read before traveling) include The Sixty Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, Fair Weather by Richard Peck and The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett. I chose these books because they showcase Chicago landmarks, demonstrate the influence children can have to bring attention to community issues and place notable historical figures in the context of the times. Travelers will even get to have lunch at one of the restaurants the characters in Wright 3 frequent.
The attendees will stay at the famed Talbott Hotel, a premiere small luxury hotel, and our book adventures will be led by Sally Sexton Kalmbach, a fourth generation Chicagoan who also specializes in customized travel.
I know this trip will create both lifetime memories and lifetime readers. I can’t wait to have you join us.