The best children’s books have a musical quality to them. When they are read aloud they have a certain rhythm, and the reader’s voice takes on special intonations. The music ensemble Fulcrum Point is taking that concept one step farther by accompanying two stories with musical compositions created especially for them. Composer Bruce Adolphe will narrate his piece inspired by a fairy tale called “Marita and Her Heart’s Desire,” about a girl who thinks the moon can grant her wishes. Adolphe says the mysterious and funny musical themes of the composition fit together like the pieces of a Rubik’s cube. The concert also includes Randall Woolf’s suite for the delightfully frightening book by Maurice Sendak “Where the Wild Things Are.” Classical music encounters rock ‘n’ roll as mischievous young Max meets up with monsters who create a wild rumpus. Kathy Brock, WLS-TV anchor, will read the story in which Max makes it home safely in time for supper.
FULCRUM POINT CONCERT, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, Columbus Drive Auditorium, 280 S. Columbus Drive, $20; 773-722-5463.
— Nancy Maes
Vincent and Paul
Kids can get a preview of the exhibit of works by Van Gogh and Gauguin at the Art Institute of Chicago during a program at the Skokie Public Library. Artist Leslie Baum will explain their styles of painting and the subjects that they chose and how they influenced each other during the time they spent together in southern France. The kids can create their own masterpieces inspired by what they have learned. The library has scheduled other programs for the weekend. During one kids and their dads or grandpas can listen to a story and during the other children can meet Arthur the much loved literary aardvark.
VAN GOGH AND GAUGUIN FOR KIDS, 2 p.m. Sunday, registration required; Daddy & Me Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, registration required; Meet Arthur!, 12:30 p.m. Sunday; Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie, free; 847-324-3149.
— Nancy Maes
A bonny day
Have a Highland Fling Saturday in Midlothian, where the annual Scottish Fair celebrates Celtic culture. Activities include old-fashioned children’s games, a sheep herding demonstration and history lessons from Mary Queen of Scots and some Scottish clan members who will be on hand to talk about their family ties. The fair will highlight musical entertainment, including a fiddle contest, bagpipers and Scottish and Irish dancers. There will be more music in the pub tent from The Stone Ring, Three Men in Kilts and some Scottish fiddle champions, including recording artist Elke Baker. Vendors will continue the musical theme, offering CDs and tapes of Celtic musicians. Shoppers can also browse among displays of jewelry, knitwear and other artifacts. A tea tent will serve scones and other traditional treats, and “A Taste of Midlothian” will provide a variety of food, including fish and chips.
MIDLOTHIAN SCOTTISH FAIR, 10 am.-8 p.m. Saturday, 147th Street and Springfield Avenue, Midlothian; admission $3, family tickets $5; 708-389-0200.
— Pat Harper
Illinois Indians
More Top Picks Best Blue Light Glasses For College Students
Journey back in time during a living history program Saturday at the Des Plaines Public Library. The library, in coordination with the Des Plaines Historical Society, will present “Pere Jacques Gravier: Illiniwek Connections.” Educator and performer Dan Hechenberger will assume the role of Pere Jacques Gravier, a Jesuit missionary who came to the Illinois country shortly after the explorations of Marquette and Joliet. Gravier spent many years in the area and had strong ties with the native people. He shared their daily life and rituals and compiled a written dictionary of their language.
“PERE JACQUES GRAVIER: ILLINIWEK CONNECTIONS,” 3 p.m. Saturday, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, free; 847-376-2787.
— Stephanie Price