Where's Waldo? Find him and win prizes

Waldo once again is on the loose.

The familiar red-and-white striped character, who is always a bit hard to find, is hidden in nearly 40 stores and businesses in Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange.

It's all part of Where's Waldo? on Main Street, USA, a national campaign of Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association.

"What could be more fun than finding Waldo, but finding Waldo at local independent businesses in your communities," says Becky Anderson of Naperville's Anderson's Bookshop and former president of the American Bookseller Association. "Find Waldo Local celebrates the uniqueness, fun and strength of community."

This is the national scavenger hunt's fifth year. Now Waldo's back and the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting different local businesses through the month of July.

Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books and more.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a "Find Waldo in Naperville," or Downers Grove or La Grange, search list with the names of all the businesses, and collect an "I Found Waldo at ___________" card for each Waldo they spot.

Collecting cards in 12 or more businesses and turning them in at Anderson's will win prizes and then an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn on Sunday, July 31.

The grand prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books, a Waldo poster book, and a Waldo postcard book.

Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in 1987. Since then, the Where's Waldo books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over.

There are now more than 55 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they've been translated into 18 languages. An entire generation has grown up searching for Waldo and his cast of wandering companions.

In celebration of Waldo's longevity and popularity, his American publisher, Candlewick Press, decided to team up with the American Booksellers Association and 250 independent bookstores across the country, including Anderson's Bookshops, to have fun and encourage people to visit local businesses. There is no charge to participate.

For more information about hunting for Waldo in Naperville, call Anderson's Bookshop at (630) 355-2665 or visit IndieBoundNaperville.org.