Got kids? Grandkids? Know kids?  How about just young and heart?  Make plans to be at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside next Sunday, September  25th for Celebrate Children’s Book Day.

From noon to 6 pm the grounds of historic, romantic Sunnyside estate will host over 60 children’s book authors and illustrators, many of whom reside in our own backyard.

There will be readings, demonstrations, signings, magic, and even music-provided by Irvington’s own Carole Demas and Paula Janis-co-creators and stars of the beloved TV series,  The Magic Garden.

A day spent celebrating children’s books would not be complete without some very special guest appearances, so also look to meet up with Clifford the Big Red Dog, Bunnicula, Franklin the  Turtle, and Biscuit!

As the cool aunt and uncle, Doug and I are familiar with some, but be sure to check out two of my new favorites, the husband and wife team of Susanna Reich and Gary Golio.  Each is multi-talented and  award-winning in their own right, they also just happen to be married.

Susanna’s unique set of life experiences and her love of dance, music and history all come together her books.  For example, in Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin,  the story is told of the 19th century painter whose art  both chronicled and championed the rights of Native Americans during a difficult time in our nation’s history.  Then, Penelope Baily Takes the Stage the reader journeys right along with a 9 year old who dreams of being an actress, in a time and place when it was not the proper thing to do.

 Gary’s books take a more modern, but still decidedly unique approach.  Fascinated by art in almost any form-the artist and the finished product, as well as the process,  his love of 60’s music comes through  loud and clear: His inaugural  When Bob Met Woody, was followed by JIMI: Sounds Like A Rainbow  and tell the stories of our musical heroes in their younger years, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. (Watch for Spirit Seeker: The Musical Journey of John Coltrane next spring).

Books, by their very presence bring heart and soul into your life, and your space. They bring you places you could not have imagined on your own, how cool is it for someone you love to have that awareness so early on?

Admission is $12.00 adults, $10.00 seniors, $6.00 children 5-17, and free to children under 5, and includes a tour of the the historic home as well.  The day is divided into segments, and last admission is at 5pm.

Click here for schedule, list of authors and illustrators, or to buy tickets. Hope to see you there!