Celebrate CdA celebs Mudgy and Millie

Fans of Mudgy the moose and Millie the mouse are invited to their birthday party this weekend at the Coeur d’Alene library.

While no one knows exactly how old the fictional moose and mouse are, it’s their sixth birthday party.

The celebration will include a reading and book signing by author Susan Nipp, appearances by the characters, singing and birthday cake.

“The book is geared toward preschool to probably 8 or so,” said David Townsend, the library’s communications coordinator.

But the event aims to encourage family participation, regardless of age, he said.

“Mudgy & Millie” follows the characters’ game of hide and seek along a route that starts at Coeur d’Alene’s Tubbs Hill and hits several other local landmarks.

Nipp, a Spokane native who lives in Coeur d’Alene, worked with the city of Coeur d’Alene to create the Mudgy Trail, which follows the characters’ route, and with sculptor Terry Lee to create five life-size bronze statues along it.

The party is “designed as a way to encourage families to get out and walk and follow the trail, follow the story,” Townsend said.

Nipp, a member of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation’s board of directors, signed over royalties from sales of the book and related merchandise to the foundation.

Copies of the book and Mudgy and Millie plush toys will be for sale.

Adrian Rogers

When: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Community Room at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. in Coeur d’Alene

Admission: Free