Pradel, Mickey Mouse join forces in Naperville

About a dozen children and their parents were treated to a double dose of stardom Thursday as Naperville's most recognizable mascot and Disney's most famous mouse joined them for story time at Naperville's 95th Street Library.

Mayor George Pradel had just finished reading “Peter Pan” to a small group of children when Mickey Mouse made a surprise visit.

Mickey was on break from starring in “Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey,” which runs through Sunday at the United Center in Chicago.

For 18-month-old Sitara Mehta of Bolingbrook, it was the first time she got a chance to meet Mickey. But her mom, Sumi Mehta, said Sitara and her 3-year-old brother Satya, watch the famous mouse on television every day.

“We love Mickey in our house so this is a real treat,” Mehta said. “Sitara just got to meet Mickey but he came to Satya's birthday party and they met there.”

Pradel told the children, many of whom were wearing mouse ears, that Peter Pan is one of his favorite stories because the fictional characters are so much fun. Pradel regularly reads to children at various appearances but never before had his thunder stolen by a giant mouse.

After Mickey's arrival, he and Pradel posed for pictures with the children.

“The expressions on the children's faces are priceless. And the hesitation to actually touch the real Mickey Mouse is awesome,” Pradel said. “Those kids get excited about that. Heck, I get excited about that.”