Birthday Party for Kids’ Book Characters Mike, Madeline

Can it be that Mike Mulligan and Madeline are 50 years old? Why, it seems like only yesterday that Mike and Maddy were the new kids on the block, delighting youngsters (us) with their adventures. Mike is the hero of “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel” by Virginia Lee Burton, and Madeline is the mischievous little French girl in Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic.

Pages children’s bookstore in Tarzana is celebrating their 50th birthdays with back-to-back parties today and next Saturday. Today, Madeline takes the spotlight--literally--because there will be a Madeline impersonator in attendance, who will burst on the scene with a flurry of French. After a reading, youngsters will join in songs and games (pin the tail on the Eiffel Tower). The party is suitable for age 3 and up.

Next Saturday, a Mike look-alike is expected to show up at the party, which will have an Americana theme. After hearing the story of Mike and his beloved Mary Anne (the steam shovel), youngsters will join in digging games. This party is suitable for age 4 and up.

The parties begin at 10:30 a.m. both days. Pages is located at 18399 Ventura Blvd. Information: (818) 342-6657.