Young readers and their parents clustered around Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel as he read his favorite children's books to demonstrate the power of reading at the Penguin Bookshop's first Children's Festival.

The event also included an appearance from Elvis, a South African penguin from the National Aviary on the North Side, who waddled away with the crowd, and Smiley the Cookie from Eat 'N Park. 

In addition to games, face painting and prizes provided by the bookshop, kids and their folks also enjoyed ice cream sundaes with all the fixings. courtesy of Sewickley Patch. 

The festival, which the book store aims to repeat each year, supported the power of reading and the Homeless Children’s Education Fund. The Strip District-based organization provides educational services and experiences for homeless children in Allegheny County.