Kristi Yamaguchi Encourages Readers to Dream Big

Nearly 500 people gathered at to listen to Olympic Figure Skating Champion and Dancing With The Stars Champion Kristi Yamaguchi read her latest children's book Dream Big, Little Pig!.

The story is about Poppy, "a waddling, toddling pig with big dreams" who doesn't give up on her wish to become an ice skating star. After the reading, Yamaguchi signed copies of the books for her fans.

Carol Litviak and her granddaughter Kaitlyn Welgos, both of Naperville, pre-ordered three copies of the book and were ready to meet Yamaguchi.

"Kristi is very inspirational and it's great to have someone like her here for the signing," said Litviak. "I bought a copy of it for my two year-old grand-niece for Easter. I hope it's a gift she will always cherish."

Peggy Angel, an employee at Anderson's, said the book was available for pre-order weeks ago.

"When somone purchased the book, they received a number for for the book signing," explained Angel. "That way, we wouldn't have to worry about lines and people would come up for their book signing when their number was called."

Kyle Bernardi of Naperville came out for the signing with her husband and two daughters Lily, 3 and Zoe, 7. They were fortunate to receive number 10 in the signing and were in the first group to meet Yamaguchi.

"My favorite part of the book was when Poppy became a skating star," reported Zoe. "When I meet Kristi I want to ask her how she comes up with her ideas and if it was hard to learn how to be an Olympic skater."

Her sister Lily added, "I like how [it] says 'Dream Big'...and I want to ask Kristi the names of her daughters."

Anderson's Bookshop was recently named by Publisher's Weekly and will be honored at an April 25 ceremony at Book Expo America.

Anderson's will host a for Emmy Award-winning actress Susan Lucci and her book All My Life at 7 p.m. Friday at .