Where's Waldo? Find him in Naperville to win prizes
Where's Waldo? During July, the familiar character with the red-and-white striped shirt and black glasses is hidden in more than 50 stores and businesses in Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange.
Anderson's Bookshops, with locations in those three towns, again is participating in 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 of Naperville's Anderson's Bookshop and former American Bookseller Association president. "Find Waldo Local celebrates the uniqueness, fun and strength of community."
Finding Waldo brings prizes, too, including buttons and books.
Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a "Find Waldo" passport in Naperville, Downers Grove or La Grange with the names of all the participating businesses. Waldo seekers then fan out to visit at least 12 or more locations. When Waldo is located at any participating business, that find is indicated on the child's passport.
With a minimum of 12 finds, the child will be entered in a prize drawing. Winners will be drawn on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The grand prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books, and other prizes also are Waldo-themed. Additional gifts are offered by local businesses. Participants who reach the 12-store goal will receive a Waldo button and $1 discount coupon.
Waldo seekers also may upload photos of their Waldo fun with the hashtags #WaldoNaperville, #WaldoDownersGrove or #WaldoLaGrange.
Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in 1987. For 30 years, 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 all across the country, including Anderson's Bookshops, 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 information about hunting for Waldo in Naperville, call Anderson's Bookshop at (630) 355-2665; in Downers Grove, call (630) 963-2665; or in La Grange, call (708) 582-6353.