Literacy on a stick!

Our State Fair is a Great State Fair, but, let's face it, it can also be an exhausting State Fair--especially if you are dragging around with you a couple of over-stimulated, over-sugared, over-Midwayed, over-Pronto-Pupped children.

The Alphabet Forest, which is over by the 4-H Building in a shady grove of trees, might be what you need. It debuted last year in conjunction with the publication of writer Debra Frasier's "Fabulous Fair Alphabet," picture book. (Frasier, who lives in Minneapolis, is the author of many books, including the huge blockbuster best-seller "On the Day You Were Born.")

This year, it offers word games and puzzles, opportunities for children to make banners (out of beautifully designed letters, which they then string on colorful yarn), or win a blue ribbon (by trotting around the fair and finding 52 objects, animals or activities--two for each letter of the alphabet). (They give you an out for X.)

In addition, kids can meet Minnesota authors and illustrators (homegrown!) each day. What fun--not a quiet oasis for reading in the boisterousness of the fair, but fun and laughter and a little intellectual stimulation, all through the love and thrill of words.

Here's the schedule for the Minnesota Homegrown Authors, who will be in the booth from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. (Bring them food, mini-donuts, and news from the outside world!)