'Book Blast' at Gurnee Mills:
Simon Malls hosts its annual Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast event Thursday, Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. to noon in Gurnee Mills' children's play area, which is sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. This free event will include special read-aloud sessions, giveaways and story-inspired activities. Activities begin with a read-aloud session presented by the Prince and Princess of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Children will also enjoy appearances by the nationally-recognized family entertainer from the PBS Channel 11 hit, "Miss Lori and Clifford the Big Red Dog." Simon is teaming with Better World Books to provide each child who attends the event a pre-loved book and bookmark to take home. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new or gently used book to the event to be donated to Gurnee elementary districts 50 and 56. For information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/.