On Saturday, September 27th, the town of Chappaqua will once again transform into a storybook scene as the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) returns for a celebration of storytelling unlike any other, bringing over 165 award-winning and bestselling authors and illustrators to meet fans, sign books, and celebrate the power of storytelling. Marking its 12th year, this all volunteer, nonprofit festival draws more than 10,000 attendees from across the tri-state area and beyond.
At the helm is Elizabeth Blye, festival Executive Director, whose journey with CCBF spans from attendee and enthusiastic volunteer to visionary leader. The Library Media Specialist at Anne M. Dorner Middle School in Ossining and Middle Grade Editor at Little Press Publishing, she is a proud book warrior who strongly believes in the power of story and connection.
“Every child deserves to feel seen in a story. We want all to leave this festival with a book that speaks to them,” Blye says, passionate about connecting young readers with books that reflect their experiences, broaden their worldviews, and spark their curiosity. She truly believes that “there is a book for every reader and a reader for every book”, and “the beauty of this festival is seeing these connections happen in real time”.
She steps into this role with immense gratitude for the extraordinary foundation developed by Dawn Greenberg, founder and former executive director. “Dawn dedicated so much of her heart and time to this festival over the last twelve years. Her tireless commitment to this mission has left an indelible legacy, and I am both humbled and honored to carry forward the work she so passionately championed,” Blye shared.
This year’s lineup includes over 165 of both new and beloved returning authors. First time participants include Elana K. Arnold, author of the A Boy Called Bat series; James Bird, author of The Brave, No Place Like Home, and the forthcoming Wolf Club; Horace Greeley graduate Leyla Brittan, fresh from her debut YA novel Ros Demir Is Not The One. Returning authors include Nick Bruel, creator of the Bad Kitty series, Victoria Kann, author of Pinkalicious, Josh Funk, author of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toastseries, and Sayantani DasGupta known for the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series and Secrets of the Sky.
But the day isn’t just about books. The festival team brings the community together for an immersive, family-friendly experience designed to delight all the senses. An exciting activity area and ASL interpreted story time area, courtesy of title sponsors Kiwi Country Day Camp; interactive booth from Highlights Magazine; Bubble Bus; sponsored by Breeze; as well as a Family Fun Zone filled with free activities courtesy of the many sponsors awaiting festival goers. As well as a delicious lineup of local food trucks, including Leila’s Crepes, Three Little Pigs, Mobile Pie, Wrappers Delight, Tipsy Taco, Road Grub Mobile, and Melt Mobile.
Admission is free, with parking included, and the event runs rain or shine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chappaqua train station. For families both near and far, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is more than an event: it’s a reminder of what’s possible when stories, and the people who tell them, take center stage.
