Northshore Mall hosts Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast!

PEABODY – Dozens of children and their parents came out to the Northshore Mall on Wednesday for the 2008 Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast! event.In a carpeted section out front of the new Macy’s wing, young boys and girls listened attentively as five notable readers read a variety of children’s books to promote early literacy. Among those readers were Mayor Michael Bonfanti, Fire Chief Steve Pasdon, Mall Manager Mark Whiting, and Adele Vittozzi, assistant superintendent of Whiting and Turner, the construction company renovating the mall. Aaron Conway, district manager of Timberland, flew in from Philadelphia for his chance to be a guest reader, as well.The Kidgits Club was created in 2003 specifically for parents with young children. Wednesday’s Book Blast! was just one of many free events held at Simon Malls that focus on health, education, safety, and entertainment. To date, almost 1,000 children are registered Northshore Mall Kidgits Club members.”The kids have so much fun,” said Jenna Lynds, guest services manager. “It gets them out of the house during school vacation.”The event was emceed by Radio Disney, which often works with Kidgits on a variety of occasions. In between reads, children learned dances, played games, munched on Goldfish crackers, and sipped on their juice boxes. Some opted to take naps on their parent’s lap, while others mingled and made new friends.Bonfanti kicked off the day’s reading list right at 11 a.m. with author Kristen Hall’s book “Vote for Me: All About Civics.” A short voting activity followed.”The mayor’s always been interested in participating,” said Lynds, who organized this year’s group.Next up was Pasdon, who held quite the question and answer session after reading “Bedtime Safari,” a magical story about a brother and sister who don’t like it when bedtime rolls around.”How many badges do you have?” asked one boy.”Do you know the Muffin Man?” asked another.Pasdon replied that he did in fact know the Muffin Man, but perhaps a little too well, he quipped.”I’m glad to come here,” said Pasdon, who has three grown children of his own. “I enjoy kids. I kind of miss them being this little.”Conway read “Little Critter: It’s Earth Day!” by Mercer Mayer and talked about the importance of recycling.As Timberland recently opened its first “green” store at the Northshore Mall, it was rather fitting. Conway later gave each child a pair of their environmentally conscious socks.The event was free and open to the public, although members received grab bags of goodies, including T-shirts, games, coupons, craft activities, and a copy of the new Kidgits book “Come Out and Play With the Kidgits.” Members who attended were asked to bring a lightly used children’s book for donation to the Peabody Institute Library’s book drive.As school vacation continues, Kidgits will hold additional events throughout the week. Sesame Street’s Elmo will make an appearance tomorrow from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the mall’s food court. There will also be a Moonbounce for kids to jump around and release some energy.For more information on upcoming events, log on to www.simonkidgitsclub.com.