Kids can learn about African-American culture and try their hand at being a book illustrator at the Chicago Children’s Museum. They will look closely at books illustrated by African-American artists who have won the Coretta Scott King award for their work and then try out the artistic techniques that they use. They can make scratchboard pictures inspired by the illustrations of Brian Pinkney for “Duke Ellington, The Piano Prince & His Orchestra.” Inspiration to do collages will come from Bryan Collier’s illustrations for “Martin’s Big Words.” They can also create pastel drawings based on Floyd Cooper’s work for “I Have Heard of a Land.” The workshop will help kids learn how to use pictures to tell their own stories. African-American Illustrators Art Activity, 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, plus 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 28, Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., $6.50; 312-527-1000.
— Nancy Maes
Prairie art
The work of nine artists in the exhibition “The State We’re In … Landscapes of the Heartland” at the Chicago Botanic Garden has inspired a variety of activities for children. Youngsters can listen to stories and poems about life on the Midwestern prairie. They can also make their own works of art by drawing Illinois landscapes such as prairies, woods and farmlands. Or children can peer at prairie plants through a microscope and draw what they see. On a Family Nature Walk they can play games that will help them look closely at the work of Mother Nature. WinterGreen Festival: Storytelling, 11 a.m. Saturday and Feb. 23; Family Activities, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Feb. 24; Family Nature Walk, 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 24; Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Rd., Glencoe, free; 847-835-5440.
— Nancy Maes
World tales
At the “Stories From Around the World” program at the Des Plaines Public Library, storyteller and drama instructor Lucia Luckett-Kelly will perform in honor of Black History Month. Luckett-Kelly tailors her stories to the age and experience of the audience. Her favorites involve animals and locations throughout the world. The Evanston native learned her craft from the African-American theater group Fleetwood Jourdain. “Stories From Around the World,” 2 p.m. Monday, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, free, registration needed; 847-376-2839.
— Stephanie Price
Sack puppets
It might be the wildest parade around as a wildlife haven presents “Puppet Parade.” Children ages 5 to 8 will learn the natural history of many animals through Native American stories and then create paper-bag puppets of local wildlife. The children and the puppets will then parade around an animal exhibit trail. “Puppet Parade,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, $1 per child, reservations needed; 630-942-6200.
— Stephanie Price
`Joseph’ returns
It’s an old story set to modern music. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to a high position in Egypt. This production features music and dancing by a cast of that includes children as well as adults. The director is Paul Nirchi. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Feb. 22 and 23, 6:30 p.m. Sunday and 3 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Little Theatre at Lincoln-Way Central High School, U.S. Highway 30 and School House Road, New Lenox, $16 adults, $13 students and seniors; 815-464-7079.
— Pat Harper
African roots
Celebrate Black History Month with a trip to the Bronzeville Children’s Museum. A hands-on exhibit illustrates the evolution of African-American music from its roots in Africa to its present contemporary popularity. Bronzeville Children’s Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, lower level of Evergreen Plaza Shopping Center, 95th Street and Western Avenue, Evergreen Park, $3 adults, $2 children; 708-636-9504.
— Pat Harper
