Maplewood:  On Saturday, January 23, 2010, several children visiting Words bookstore enjoyed a preview of If You Give a Pig a Pancake & Other Story Books, a musical revue based on popular children's stories that will be performed next Saturday at nearby Millburn Middle School.   The engaging production is the family fundraiser of the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills (JLOSH), which supports children and women in Maplewood, the Oranges, Millburn and surrounding areas.

At Words, children and their parents listened to several stories featured in the musical production, including Diary of a Worm, Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig, Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores, How I Became a Pirate, Lillyís Big Day,The Paper Bag Princess, and, of course, If You Give a Pig a Pancake.  The kids also participated in simple crafts related to the stories, and no doubt left with a taste for more.

Elizabeth Duncan Pederson, JLOSH President and South Orange resident, said: "We are so pleased to bring this colorful production to our area.  I'm sure that children of all ages will enjoy the show, and parents will be pleased to know that all proceeds from the event support our community programs."

The family show is sponsored nationally by Target and produced by Theatreworks USA, which specializes in imaginative, sophisticated shows that are educational, entertaining and thought provoking.  If You Give a Pig a Pancake & Other Story Books takes a creative and fun approach to exploring important ideas, such as seeing that everyone has hidden talents and can make important contributions.

†If You Give a Pig a Pancake & Other Story Books will be performed on Saturday January 30, 2010 at Millburn Middle School, 25 Old Short Hills Road, at 1:00 p.m.