Half Price Books, 5915 E. N.W. Highway, is encouraging families to “Say Goodnight to Illiteracy” with a colorful book of bedtime stories.

The soft-cover book features 22 short stories selected from more than 1,000 entries from throughout the world. Stories are illustrated by college art students.

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Cost is $2.98, and proceeds benefit literacy programs. This is the second year Half Price has produced such a book.

“Parents love them because they can share one story each evening with their children,” says Half Price’s Kathy Doyle Thomas, vice president of marketing. “We love the book because every sale fights illiteracy.”

Half Price is accepting entries through Dec. 31 for its next bedtime story collection. Grand prize winners receive $500 gift certificates, and other winners receive $50 gift certificates.

For information, call 363-8374.

Enchanted Forest Celebrates Birthday

The Enchanted Forest Books for Children 6333 E. Mockingbird, celebrates its fourth birthday this month with two Winnie-the-Pooh parties.

Aug. 10 is at the store, which is on the second level of the Tom Thumb shopping center. Families can meet pooh and hear of his adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. Readings and puppet shows are at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. Cake will be available.

Aug. 11 is at the Lakewood Country Club, Gaston and Abrams, the Enchanted Forest will perform, and Pooh will show up again. There will be cake and games. Cost is $16 per person. Ticket Sales are limited to 250 people.

Call 827-2234 for information about either event.

Neighborhood Child Wins Sports Challenge

Gene Fallin, a member of the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club at 4804 Worth, won a NIKE athletic bag in the annual NIKE P.L.A.Y. Daily Michael Jordan Invent-a-Sport Challenge.

The P.L.A.Y. program, which stands for Participate in the Lives of America’s Youth, encourages children to create, play and teach a new sport or game.

The Boys & Girls Club provides numerous programs for children. Club hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. For information, call 828-2200.

Children’s Television Show Features Neighborhood Locations

“WillytheHit Man,” filmed two summers ago at Lochwood Park and other neighborhood locations, will air on the ACTS Network, cable channel 41B, this month.

Neighborhood resident Neila Petrick produced “Willy,” which is aimed at children ages 6 and older, and plays a cameo role in the show. The show has received the Dove Deal, which approves programs for family viewing.

The story line finds Willy in hot water with a school bully and his father. Willy starts a business selling himself as a pie “hit man.” He ends up in an ethical dilemma when peers begin hiring him not only to hit the school bully with pies, but teachers they don’t like.

“Parents will enjoy this one. They’re treated with respect,” Petrick says.

Free Youth Program Meets at Lakewood Methodist

The Tweens Program, a recently formed neighborhood youth group for children ages 7-11, meets Aug. 23 from 7-10 p.m. at the Lakewood United Methodist Church’s Firehouse, 2443 Abrams.

Children participate in games and crafts with a Christian focus, and snacks are provided. There is no cost, but donations are accepted.

Tweens began in June and meets the fourth Friday of each month. Reservations are required.

Call 823-9623 for information.

Dolls, Lego Clubs Meet at Library

The children’s American Girls Club and the Lego Club meet each month at Lakewood Library, 6121 Worth.

The American Girls Club, based on the doll and story collection, meets the second Tuesday of each month (Aug. 10) at 2:30 p.m. The Lego Club meets the third Tuesday of each month (Aug. 17) at 2:30 p.m.

Call 670-1376 for information.