CEDAR FALLS -- A book in their hands and shoes on their feet.

That's what Patty Achey-Cutts, events coordinator at University Book and Supply, hopes will occur after events took place at the store Tuesday and Thursday.

North Cedar Elementary school children gathered around UNI head volleyball coach Bobbi Petersen Tuesday as she sat on the floor with them and read "The Orange Shoes" by Trinka Hakes Noble. The reading, and a subsequent reading on Thursday, celebrated National Children's Book Week.

In the book, teacher Miss Violet holds a "Shoebox Social," where students decorate a shoebox to raise money for art supplies. Achey-Cutts thought it was a great idea to augment the reading for the Boys & Girls Club.

"Let's turn around and raise money for shoes," she said.

Thus, a live auction was held at the store Tuesday immediately following the reading. Several students decorated boxes with markers and construction paper. Hy-Vee donated the snacks inside, and they were auctioned off to bidders Tuesday night.

The highest bid -- $30 -- was for a Chicago Bears-themed box. Most boxes went for $20 to $25, and after the event several bidders gave them back to the children who made them.

Local children's book author Mary Beth Boelts read to students at Longfellow Elementary School in Waterloo Thursday. In keeping with the theme, she read her book, "These Shoes." Students also participated in a mini carnival.

The money raised from the auction Tuesday and events Thursday will be used to purchase shoes, boots and books for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Cedar and Longfellow Elementary schools.

The events were in celebration of the 88th annual National Children's Book Week Nov. 12-18, sponsored by the Children's Book Council and held each year before Thanksgiving. Beginning next year, however, the group will move National Children's Book Week to May due to pressure from booksellers, publishers, teachers and librarians.

"Rise Up Reading!" is the theme this year.

"It's really to honor kids and reading, and show them the importance of literacy," Achey-Cutts said. "A lot of them don't have books at home."

The United Nations defines literacy as the ability to identify, understand, interpret, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. According to the CIA World Factbook, the United States has a literacy rate of 99 percent. Iowa continues to have one of the highest literacy rates in the nation.

Petersen, who read on Tuesday, said she had fun reading to the North Cedar students.

"They're a great group of kids, that's for sure," she said.

Those wishing to donate to the fundraiser may call Shirley Greer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County at (319) 234-2839.

Contact Amie Steffen at (319) 291-1464 or amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.