Mary Macaroni laughs with children at Vernon Hills library

The whimsical entertainer wore bright yellow hair, a rainbow-colored vest and a purple skirt as she played guitar and sang to children who danced around her during the "It's Mary Macaroni!" program at the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills.

More than 60 children, parents and caregivers waved colorful scarves around their heads and danced to the rockin' rhythm of Mary Macaroni while she moved about the room playing her guitar.

"For some reason, kids seem to be attracted to me. I'm kind of like the Pied Piper because kids started farther back and by the end of the show, they are climbing on top of my lap," said Karen Burris of Chicago, who plays the role of Mary Macaroni. "You just see this transformation from the kids when they come in and they are a little hesitant. By the end, they are just having a ball."

The show included a story called "The Very Silly Shark" by Jack Tickle, and developed into a magic show with young children coming to the front of the room to be part of the act.

At the end of the program, children had an opportunity to touch and play with a variety of musical instruments.