This summer, Writers & Books - Rochester's haven for literary creativity - wants to help your kids tap into their inner Iago, develop their penchant for improv comedy, become a true puppet master, and be able to understand what the heck Dora the Explorer is talking about. It's all part of the SummerWrite program, an innovative and unique menu of workshops and classes that bring kids ages 6-18 together with professional actors, filmmakers, playwrights, and authors for fun, education, and games, and likely even some jazz hands.

Recognized by many as the place on University Avenue with the big yellow pencil out front, WAB is the third-largest community-based literary center in the country. Its incredible menu of more than 65 classes for kids begins June 29 and continues through August 28, with several sessions for various age groups each week (really, we'd be here for hours if I tried to list them all, so check wab.org to explore the full curriculum.)

It's safe to generalize a bit and state that creativity and multiculturalism are recurring themes in many of the classes. From puppetry to storytelling, kids will be exposed to diverse literature, stories, and traditions from countries and cultures near and far, many times creating end-of-session shows for parents and friends to reflect on what they've learned. Beyond that are classes involving areas not typically associated with literature and the arts: kids will whip up culinary treats while producing a cookbook, and aspiring radio personalities will create their own show while developing their music, journalism, acting, writing, and public speaking skills. There's even a class combining the arts with arithmetic, using the math of Quidditch, math-based game play, and even origami to captivate your little math whiz.

Do your kids think Shakespeare is droll and confusing? Think again. Teens will discover the fun, diabolical, and complex characters of the Bard by exploring the text while learning how to embody the true spirit of Shakespeare's characters. Another historical-based session inspires 9- to 12-year-olds to dream up their own "once upon a time" by first examining the life and times of 13th and 14th century England, Mali, and China. Comedy improv, song writing, and scene study are among other topics explored this summer.

Personally, I want to be little again so I can spend my day at Juan and Maria's Empanada Stop with the 5- to 7-year-olds in the "Bienvenidos" class. In addition to eating my favorite Saturday morning Public Market treat, they'll explore Spanish through songs, games, and music, and even have a piñata. Quisiera un "breakfast empanada" con salsa verde...and an excuse to take the week off to come play, por favor.

On a side note, Writers & Books has been providing as many scholarships as possible, recognizing the pinch parents are feeling right now. This year there is a waiting list of kids who need assistance. Please contact them if you or your business would like to help.

SummerWrite starts June 29 and continues through August 28; for a full list of classes by age group, please visit wab.org/workshops/2009-summer/youthbyage.shtml.

WAB is holding a SummerWrite open house 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 27th, which includes facility tours, workshops, storytelling and opportunities to talk with class teachers. Writers & Books is located at 740 University Ave. For more information  call 473-2590.