What more could you ask for than going to work in soft, warm, cuddly pajamas? If work means helping to get books into the hands of kids in need and celebrating the launch of the Books at Bedtime campaign with our partner KN Karen Neuburger and famed children’s author Laura Numeroff at the fabulous Borders store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, we bet you would consider the pajama proposition.

Besides the fact that the pajamas were wonderfully comfortable and everyone at First Book is always ready to have fun, here’s why we jumped at the chance to model our PJs in public: KN has introduced a new line of holiday-themed pajamas, including a “Mommy & Me” set that will benefit First Book. A portion of proceeds from every pair sold will help us put more new books into the hands of children in need.

At the event, Laura entertained 30 children from the Marcy-Newberry Marcy Center along with a crowd of excited Chicago area parents and kids with stories from her newly released Mouse Cookies & More, A Treasury. The kids listened intently as they snuggled up in their KN PJs and snacked on milk and cookies. Later, Mouse — one of the stars from the If You Give…Book&tm; series — posed with the children for keepsake pictures of the afternoon. Each child also received a copy of the Treasury with a special, personalized message from Laura to take home.

Seeing how much fun the kids had — and how much they enjoyed every aspect of the event — was an absolute delight. Many, many thanks to our partners — KN Karen Neuburger, Laura Numeroff, Borders and HarperCollins — for all of their support in making this such a wonderful, joy-filled celebration — not to mention giving us the chance to go to work in our pajamas!

You can find Books at Bedtime reading tips and the pajamas online at KarenNeuburger.com. The PJs are also available at stores around the country, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Von Maur, Carson Pirie Scott, Bon Ton, Elder Beerman and Dillard’s.

P.S. Don’t miss the podcast conversation between Laura Numeroff and First Book President Kyle Zimmer!

A boy gets a hug from a mouse.

Laura Numeroff reading a bedtime story.

Cookies for the kids.

Laura Numeroff signing her book.

Fun at the pajama party.