Where's Waldo? In Naperville in July

Waldo is on the loose in Naperville this summer and those who spot the familiar red-and-white striped character hidden in dozens of local stores and businesses can win books and prizes from Anderson's Bookshop.

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," said Becky Anderson. "Find Waldo Local celebrates the uniqueness, fun and strength of community."

So where is Waldo? Throughout Naperville, of course. He's now 28 years old. The Where's Waldo activity was launched to celebrate Waldo's 25th anniversary in 2012. Now he's back and the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting different local businesses all through the month of July.

Waldo figures are showing up in local establishments from Anderson's Bookshop at 123 W. Jefferson Ave. to Second Chance Retail, 1512 N. Naper Blvd.; from DeEtta's Bakery at 428 W. Fifth Ave. to Dog Patch Pet and Feed, 1108 E. Ogden Ave., and at many more stops.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a "Find Waldo in Naperville" search list with the names of all the participating 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 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 Bookshop in Naperville, to have fun and encourage people to visit local businesses.

There is no charge to participate, and the game lasts for the entire month of July.

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