Chicago Children's Theatre and The Book Stall Host A Book Signing with Author Matt de la Pena

Chicago Children's Theatre and The Book Stall invite families to a free presentation and book signing with author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Christian Robinson, the team behind the Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor-winning best-seller "Last Stop on Market Street," on Sunday, October 14 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Peña and Robinson are stopping at Chicago Children's Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago's West Loop, as part of their national tour celebrating the release of their new children's book, "Carmela Full of Wishes," which goes on sale October 9. They will give short presentations in CCT's Pritzker Family Studio Theatre, followed by book signings.

Both events are free, but space is limited and filling quickly. Reserve in advance at chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call Chicago Children's Theatre Guest Services, (312) 374-8835.

Parents will have the opportunity in the confirmation email to pre-purchase "Carmela Full of Wishes" for pickup at the event. Books will also be sold on-site for $20. Free, on-site parking and street parking will be available.

A moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places, "Carmela" is a "powerful and beautiful" (Kirkus) story about a young Dreamer who spends her birthday helping her brother with their family's errands for the first time, and searching for the perfect wish. Publishers Weekly says "The award-winning team behind 'Last Stop on Market Street' portrays Carmela's Spanish-speaking community as a vibrant place of possibility, and Robinson's acrylic-and-cutout spreads introduce readers to street vendors, workers in the fields, and sweeping views of the sea. Sensitively conceived and exuberantly executed, Carmela's story shines."

Chicago Children's Theatre began its association with Pena and Christiansen last spring with its world premiere musical Last Stop on Market Street. The Chicago Tribune called it "...a kid's version of In the Heights," the Chicago Sun-Times hailed it "what children's theater should be," and the Chicago Defender called Last Stop on Market Street "a must-see family show."

The Goodman Theatre's Henry Godinez, who directed CCT's world premiere, is also staging the musical's fall debut later this month, September 21-October 21, 2018, at Children's Theatre of Minneapolis, which co-commissioned the work.
Book sale proceeds benefit Chicago Children's Theatre, the city's largest professional theater company devoted exclusively to children and young families.

Chicago Children's Theatre is now in its "forever home," a beautiful, mixed-use performing arts, education and community engagement facility, formerly the 12th District Police Station in Chicago's West Loop. For more information on shows, classes and camps at The Station, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call Guest Services, (312) 374-8835.

This special event is co-sponsored by The Book Stall, an independent bookstore in Winnetka, IL. For more information visit thebookstall.com.