Famous Friends

Photo by Mary Hanlon

Mike Ditka, former head coach of the Chicago Bears, joins storytellers Jasmin Cardenas and John Sessler from the StoryBus in a literacy adventure at the North Avenue Day Nursery in Chicago. As "Papa Bear," Ditka made the classic children's tale of The Three Bears come alive for the youngsters.

Photo by Mary Hanlon

Mike Ditka plays a realistic Papa Bear on the StoryBus exhibit of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Senator Jeff Schoenberg of Illinois shows his commitment to education and literacy as he joins in the telling of The Three Bears at the Evanston Day Nursery. He gives his rendition of Papa Bear.

Photo by Callie Lipkin

Mary Ellen Caron (center), Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services, joins StoryBus educators Coleen Stewart (left) and Belinda Cervantes (right) in an animated bilingual storytelling of The Little Red Hen at Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago.

Photo by Callie Lipkin

Caron then joins the youngsters in the Red Hen's kitchen on the StoryBus.

Henry Godinez, Goodman Theatre's Resident Artistic Associate and award-winning director, joins StoryBus educators (and sisters) Belinda and Maritza Cervantes in a bilingual telling of Eric Kimmel's The Runaway Tortilla. This Spanish twist on the classic children's tale The Gingerbread Man was presented to families during the Chicago Humanities Festival at the Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

Award-winning author Jim Aylesworth captivates children with his vivid storytelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Mayor Michael Belsky of Highland Park tells the story of The Three Bears with the StoryBus educators at Ravinia Festival's birthday celebration.

Wally, the musical frog from Ribbee Dibbee Doo, joins the StoryBus educators in the telling of the Ravinia Festival story at the birthday celebration for the cultural institution.