Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on Oct. 5: Celebrating Literacy from Tots to Teens

With More than 60 Local Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, including authors of Ella Enchanted, Pinkalicious, Magic School Bus Series, The Zack Files, Andrew Lost, Biscuit, Bad Kitty, Covering Multiple Genres and Reading Levels, Plus Author Readings, Book Signings and Great Food

At the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival on Oct. 5, families will have the chance to interact with and have books signed by their favorite authors and illustrators, participate in arts and crafts activities, and enjoy literary-themed lunch from local caterer, The Good Dish.  For dessert, The Great Chappaqua Bake Sale will be on-site raising money for Share our Strength’s mission of ending childhood hunger, with plenty of baked goods for sale, including Pinkalicious cupcakes. Pinkalicious author Victoria Kann will read one of her cherished books to children and engage them in a fun activity.

"The Festival is a celebration of children, families, community, and literacy,” said Dawn Greenburg, a Chappaqua resident, shopkeeper, and one of the event’s volunteer organizers.  “Our mission is to encourage, promote and celebrate the joy of reading, while fostering a love of books, stimulating imaginations and opening new worlds to our children.  The festival offers a sampling of books for the entire family, from toddlers to teens."

The first festival is dedicated to the memory of Jean Craighead George, a Chappaqua resident until her death in 2012.  “It is important for us to honor such a prolific and important Chappaqua writer for our first children's book festival,” said Greenburg.  “At the Festival, we will be displaying many of her books, which express her love and concern for the environment and all living things.”

This is the only children’s book festival in Westchester County and was inspired by the discontinued Book Day at Sunnyside, after Sunnyside announced the end of their fall event after 15 years. 

Admission and parking are free and books will be available for sale.  The Chappaqua Children's Book Festival will take place on October 5, 2013 at Robert Bell Middle School in Chappaqua, N.Y. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m, rain or shine.

For more information and a complete list of authors and illustrators, visit www.chappaquachildrensbookfestival.com.  Get event updates at  www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.