Think lessons of cultural diversity and acceptance are way over a toddler's head? Think again.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers and the Anti-Defamation League are co-sponsoring a "Close the Book on Hate Campaign," designed to educate young children (preschoolers to second-graders) about breaking the cycle of prejudice.

Initiated after the Columbine High School tragedy, the campaign is in its third year of combating hate. This Saturday, it comes to Ellicott City's Barnes & Noble store.

"We use stories to promote tolerance," Sherry L. Elswick, the store's community-relations manager, says of the event.

Featured tales include A Quiet Place by Douglas Wood; What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele; Hush, Mama Loves You by Anna Strauss; and Toestomper and the Caterpillars by Sharleen Collicott. Kids can also participate in a craft activity after the stories.

The event begins at 11 a.m. The store is in Long Gate Shopping Center, 4300 Montgomery Road. Call 410-203-9001.