COEUR d'ALENE — Join the fun in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 during a special family activity: The eighth annual “Holiday Sing-Along with Mudgy and Santa."

A new book, "Mudgy and Millie Adventures: Costa Rica” will be read by author Susan Nipp as Coeur d'Alenes's favorite local characters again take to the air in their hot-air balloon to visit animal friends in foreign countries.

The free program will be in the Community Room on the lower level of the library. The easiest access will be from the lower parking lot behind Coeur d'Alene City Hall and through the lower entrance.

Nipp, the children's author who created the “Mudgy and Millie” books and the nationally known “Wee Sing” books and music, will lead the kids in singing holiday favorites.

Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse will be in attendance, along with Santa Claus. They will be available after the music for informal photos, so be sure to bring cameras and phones.

Nipp and local sculptor Terry Lee, who created the bronze statues along the Mudgy Trail, will sign copies of the “Mudgy and Millie” books.

The original “Mudgy and Millie” was published in 2008 with its royalties and those for “Mudgy and Millie” merchandise going to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation. Its release coincided with the unveiling of Lee’s bronzes and the opening of the 2.5-mile trail in cooperation with the city of Coeur d’Alene. The Mudgy Moose Trail begins at Tubbs Hill and ends at Independence Point.

In 2018, Nipp introduced the “Mudgy and Millie Adventures” books that take the pair around the world in the hot-air balloon they keep stowed away on Tubbs Hill. Their first adventure took them to Australia to learn about boomerangs and about Australian culture and wildlife. The original book and the new stories are illustrated by Charles Reasoner.

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Copies of the books and "Mudgy and Millie" plush animals will be available to purchase at the Dec. 14 event.

Info: www.cdalibrary.org