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Stralsund, Germany (dpa) - "Do you know any famous superstars?" asked 11-year-old Stefanie without a trace of shyness when she saw Laura Bush at the children's library in the Baltic port of Stralsund.
The US First Lady, a former primary school teacher, smiled at the young girl and then launched into a lengthy explanation.
"No, I don't know any real superstars," she said, going on to explain that she recently visited the Elvis Presley memorial at Graceland with her husband and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
"You probably don't know him, but Elvis Presley was the world's first rock star," she said.
President George W Bush's wife appeared at home in the library, surrounded by books and the admiring gazes of 17 local schoolchildren.
While her husband was discussing the world's troublespots with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Laura Bush took in the sights of the picturesque town of 58,000.
But she also took time out to promote literacy, one of the projects close to her heart.
"Reading is a wonderful way to awaken new interests and enjoyment," Mrs Bush said in a speech at the library.
In her luggage, the first lady brought with her 300 English books as a gift - a start-up pack for the scheme initiated by her called America@your library.
Like her husband, Laura Bush has been impressed by the rise of Merkel from a pastor's daughter who grew up under East Germany's communist regime to become the first woman to lead Europe's most powerful economy.
Asked by another schoolgirl in the library about what it's like to be a first lady, she replied: "I get to meet fascinating people like Chancellor Angela Merkel."
Laura Bush appeared impressed by the treasures on display at the former Hanseatic League trading city, with its cobbled streets and soaring Gothic buildings built by medieval merchants.
At the St John's Monastery, the first lady was able to glimpse priceless antique books from the 120,000-volume collection, among them a handwritten bible from the 13th century.
The head of the Museum of Art History, Andreas Grueger, showed her a selection of gold jewelry from the Viking period that is usually kept locked in a safe because it is so valuable.
As a gesture of appreciation for the visit, Stralsund Mayor Harald Lastovka presented the first lady with a copy of a necklace that forms part of the Viking treasure.
Following a lunch of herbal cream soup, filet of salmon and mascarpone with white chocolate, Mrs Bush showed appreciation to her hosts with the words: "Thank you for this wonderful time in your city."
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
