Celebrate Mudgy and Millie
<p>Jordan Thielman, 8, and her sister Katie, 7, from Cottage Grove, Orgeon, pose for their family with Mudgy and Millie at Indepence Point in Coeur d'Alene Sunday. Jordan Thielman, 8, and her sister Katie, 7, from Cottage Grove, Orgeon, pose for their family with Mudgy and Millie at Indepence Point in Coeur d'Alene Sunday.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - How old are Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse? No one knows for sure.
What we do know is that they were born out of a love of books, active living, public art and the community of Coeur d'Alene.
Every year since 2008 their birthday has been celebrated at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library. "Mudgy & Millie" fans of all ages are invited to the party at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 in the Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave.
The book is the brainchild of children's author Susan Nipp - nationally known as the co-creator of the Wee Sing books and music - and was illustrated by Charles Reasoner. Nipp, who is a member of the Library Foundation Board, signed over all royalties from the sale of the book and related merchandise to the foundation.
"Mudgy & Millie" follows the adventure of its moose and mouse characters as they play hide-and-seek along a route that leads from Tubbs Hill, to the library, downtown, around the boardwalk, to City Park and finally to Independence Point.
The author, a strong proponent of families staying active together, worked with the city of Coeur d'Alene to create the Mudgy Trail, which follows this same route.
Inspired by the bronze statues in Boston created for the book "Make Room For Ducklings," Nipp worked with local sculptor Terry Lee for the creation of five life-size bronze statues installed along the Mudgy Trail.
The Sept. 13 celebration will include a reading of the book by Nipp, a special appearance by Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse, a sing-along of the "Mudgy & Millie Song," book signing by Nipp and Lee, and, of course, birthday cake compliments of The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
There is no charge to attend the party. Copies of the book will be available to purchase as will Mudgy & Millie plush animals. All proceeds benefit the Library Foundation.