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The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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Popular children’s book authors arrive from all over the country.
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CCBF Mural by Chappaqua artist Sophie Mendelson

Cherished author and former New Castle native Jean Craighead George once said, “Be you writer or reader, it is very pleasant to run away in a book.” Children and adults of all ages must agree with this statement, as they all flock to Chappaqua each fall, when the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival comes to life. The six-hour event brings over 80 authors (the number grows every year) from all over Westchester County, and a few from New York City and Connecticut, into town to discuss their writing, read excerpts from their books, and sign copies for eager children. Attendees may also participate in arts and crafts activities, and enjoy food provided by a local caterer. Additionally, the Great Chappaqua Bake Sale serves up sweet treats for a donation to their cause.

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Dawn and her team of Book Festival Volunteers

Held in the parking lot at the Robert E. Bell Middle School, the festival enjoys a year-to-year turnout of about 4,000 people from Westchester & Rockland Counties, New York City, and Connecticut; the high response is good news to fans of the physical book, who may have thought it to be at the beginning of a gradual “phasing out” with the increase in popularity of digital media. But Greenberg, for one, isn’t giving in to the technology hype. “I fully believe books are here to stay,” she says. “They’re not going anywhere.”

The inspiration for the festival came after Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown announced that it was discontinuing its annual Children’s Book Day. “When I found [that] out, a lightbulb went off,” explains Dawn Greenberg, 2015 Chamber of Commerce President and the event’s Executive Director. “I thought, why not here? We have a community passionate about education and reading, and a beautiful downtown to show off to the County.”

“The work behind the festival has really been based on an ‘it takes a village’ mentality,” she continues, praising the town for its “enormous support” of the event since the very first day, “It’s truly amazing to see how much we have gotten done in such a short period of time,” states Greenberg, of the work put in every year. “We hope the Festival is something the entire community of Chappaqua can be proud of.”

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Children’s Book Author Peter Sis
Children’s Book Author Peter Sis

For more info, go to: ccbfestival.org or search for Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on Facebook.

Excitement Soars for the 2014 Chappaqua 
Children’s 
Book Festival

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book-authorsBy Dori Busell

The second annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on September 27 at Bell promises to build on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event; about 80 popular children and young adult authors are scheduled to meet and mingle with their fans, sign books and read excerpts. A special promotion with Hall of Scoops will create a CCBF special flavor to be sold during September with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the event.

“We took a short break to catch our breath following last year’s event but fairly quickly began all the planning to make the 2014 festival an event that can’t be topped,” said Dawn Greenberg, CCBF’s executive tireless director.

Just some of the new authors attending to keep an eye out for at the 2014 Festival:

Diane deGroat: Diane deGroat is the illustrator of more than 120 children’s books and the author-illustrator of bestselling books about Gilbert, including Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! (Gilbert Goes Green); Last One in Is a Rotten Egg!; and the New York Times bestseller Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink. Notably, deGroat is a former Chappaqua resident and spent many years volunteering at Roaring Brook;s library, which helped mold her stories and illustrations.

“Being surrounded by thousands of children’s books was like Christmas in a candy shop!” offered Diane deGroat. “I shelved and checked out books, but I also worked as “a spy” as I observed current gestures, attire and conversation among the elementary population.”

Christopher Healy: There’s a lot you don’t know about Prince Charming, at least according to Christopher Healy, author of the Hero’s Guide trilogy: The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle, and The Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw. Each book, targeted to grades 3-7, follows four different Prince Charmings after their well-known fairy tales end and the comedic adventures that occur after the happily ever after.

Peter Lerangis:Peter Lerangis is the author of more than 160 children’s and young adult fiction books, which have sold more than five million copies and been translated into 30 different languages. He is best known for the Seven Wonder series and author of two books in The 39 Clues series. His novel Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am, a collaboration with Harry Mazer, won the 2013 Schneider Award, presented by the American Library Association “for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for adolescent audiences,” and it was selected for the 2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults list.

Janet Taylor Lisle: Janet Taylor Lisle has published 16 novels for children and young adults, including Afternoon of the Elves, a Newbery Honor book and The Art of Keeping Cool, which won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Lisle turned to adult non-fiction in 2010, publishing a history of her early New England town, Little Compton: First Light Sakonnet, 1660-1820. A second volume, A Home By the Sea, 1820-1950, appeared in 2012.She lives with her husband in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

book-coversDoreen Rappaport:Doreen Rappaport is an award-winning author of 48 fiction and non-fiction children’s books that celebrate multiculturalism, the retelling of folktales and myths, history, the lives of world leaders and the stories of those she calls ‘not-yet-celebrated.’ Her books have received critical acclaim and awards for her unique ability to combine historical facts with intimate storytelling, and for finding ‘new ways to present the lives of well-known heroes‚’ like Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller and the Statue of Liberty.

Steve Sheinkin:Steve Sheinkin is the award-winning author of several exciting books on American history for young adults. His 2012 title BOMB: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, was awarded a Newbery Honor, won the Sibert Medal, the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and was a finalist for the National Book Award. His book The Notorious Benedict Arnold won both the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for nonfiction.

Robin Wasserman:Robin Wasserman is a young adult author of the Seven Deadly Sins, Cold Awakenings and Chasing Yesterday series. She also authored the Candy Apple series about surviving middle school. Robin lives in Brooklyn.

Dori Busell provides strategic communications counsel and media relations support to Fortune 1000 companies through her co., DK Strategic Communications. Dori lives in Chappaqua with her husband and two young children.

Reasons to Enroll your Child in Preschool Gymnastics

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jodys10. GYMNASTICS is a positive and fun introduction to movement.

9.   GYMNASTICS participation early on leads to healthy fitness habits to last a lifetime.

8.  GYMNASTICS improves overall balance, strength, flexibility, body awareness, confidence and coordination like no other sport.

7.  GYMNASTICS helps to develop strong bones.

6.  GYMNASTICS  improves reading readiness.

5.  GYMNASTICS improves motor skill development.

4.  GYMNASTICS helps kids to focus and set attainable goals.

3.  GYMNASTICS allows children to focus on their own skill development and their personal best (it’s non competitive).

2.  GYMNASTICS is the foundation of movement  education and all sports.

1.  GYMNASTICS is sooooooo much fun!

Jodi Rosenwasser Levine is the founder/director of Jodi’s Gym in NYC and Mt. Kisco. She has been loving gymnastics for over 
40 years!

Give me a HOLIDAY break!

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By Heather Skolnick

Amanda and Jason Goldberg with their sons, Justin and Eric, enjoying sun, sand and family.
Amanda and Jason Goldberg with their sons, Justin and Eric, enjoying sun, sand and family.

It’s December break and time for the exodus out of New Castle for various locations! This year, as the break spans THREE weekends, there’s even more pressure to plan something.

If you’re like me, you approach this time of year with a mixture of dread and excitement. My husband and I still haven’t gotten over the traumatic experience of traveling internationally with three kids under three years of age–two suffering from colds and teething simultaneously.  Suffice it to say, we were not popular on the plane. There aren’t enough lollipops in the world to muffle the 4.5 hours of wailing. Each way. We were ready to go home before we even got there.

This year, we’re determined to try again, albeit without the plane flight.  As a family with two full time working parents, this is our rare opportunity to spend quality time together. We need to get away from the distractions of everyday life; the rushing from Target to a birthday party and then to 
A&P. We need to use the time to bond with our children, and my husband and I need some “kid-free” time to reconnect too. This vacation is a must.

We will do a combination “staycation” and local vacation. First, we are planning an indoor campout. We’ll “travel” to the basement with blankets, pillows and our PJs, but sans iPhones, iPads, etc. We’ll “picnic” on pancakes and play family games. Then we will hunker down inside a princess tent for storytelling and sleeping.

Phase two of our plane-free vacation will be at Rocking Horse Ranch, “America’s Favorite Family Resort.” They offer a water park, snow tubing and everything in between. There’s child friendly entertainment in the evenings, all inclusive food and a spa and fitness center to help parents stay stress-free. We’re cautiously optimistic about this trip that offers activities for the children along with things that we will enjoy doing with them.

Before the tears at the Jet Blue Terminal; Lila, 3; Ryan and Andrew, 1 1/2
Before the tears at the Jet Blue Terminal; Lila, 3; Ryan and Andrew, 1 1/2

Another popular option is to travel to Florida, visiting family or with family. This is a relatively easy way to get out of town. Often grandparents are only too happy to provide lodging and babysitting. Making it even easier are flights from Westchester to many parts of Florida. For the last three years, Mount Kisco resident Amanda Goldberg has gone on a Florida vacation to Disney and a cruise with her family and sister and says, “You will not find another vacation that is more appropriate for young children…Disney has thought of everything a parent could want!” For those that love the thrill of skiing and don’t mind the bone-chilling temps, there are options near and far.  Chappaqua resident Roberta Offenhutter Lasky and her family travel to different skiing destinations each year. She says, “Skiing is a wonderful family activity. You get to enjoy the ‘Great Outdoors’ together…There’s a little something for everyone and it’s especially important to break up your time away so your family members do not get bored.” With her 13- and 10-year-old children, that’s key to a successful vacation!

For those staying local, options include taking advantage of all the interesting things nearby. Why not visit the city’s amazing museums? The Children’s Museum is a great activity for the younger set, the Intrepid Sea and Air Museum is a fun option for older kids.  There are even sports camps that your child can attend by day! Chappaqua mom Lisa McGowan said that she always stays home with her family during December break.  She plans fun city excursions including spending a night in the city and seeing a show with her two children. As it’s a vacation, there is no cooking–either they order in or they go to restaurants.  She also points out that it’s great to do nothing at all–just spending time with her family is special!

No matter where you go or if you go, use this time to smell the metaphoric roses–whether your “roses” are wailing infants, angst ridden teenagers or a know-it-all parent. Take time to be truly present without the distractions of everyday life.  Although my vacation last year was far from ideal, I know that one day, I will look back and wish I’d taken more time to do things like that with my family.

Heather Skolnick and her husband have lived in New Castle for six years.  They are parents to daughter Lila and twin boys Andrew and Ryan. She works for Macy’s in their corporate office as part of their Omnichannel business process team. She is cautiously optimistic about her next family vacation.

Bringing Home Baby

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Mason loves his canine “brother” Riley who always watches out for him. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein
Mason loves his canine “brother” Riley who always watches out for him. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

My friend Riley, a Staffordshire Terrier, always walked with his owners Alysa and Bryan Paul. Then one day last summer Riley and the Pauls started walking with a stroller and a little baby named Mason. This excited me, because I love babies. When I was a puppy my owner took me to meet humans of all ages, including little babies, but I had never lived with one. So I decided to ask Riley what it was like and if his owners did anything special before the baby Mason arrived.

Riley told me he had been well trained and had learned boundaries in his home before the baby came to live with them.  Now he was happy to have his new brother. The Pauls got advice from Riley’s trainer Gary Pietropaolo, and I listened carefully when they told my master 
about it.

“Safety comes first,” said Pietropaolo. “Know your dog and whether the dog, especially an older one, will be able to adapt to a baby in your home.”  He told them that it may be necessary to call in a professional, who will work with your dog to reinforce the rules in your home and your position as pack leader. “There are a lot of dogs in shelters because they are not good with children,” said Pietropaolo.  I didn’t like to hear that, but I knew it wouldn’t happen to me or Riley.

Besides training, Pietropaolo told them to get Riley used to the sound of a baby.  “Try to have a friend or neighbor bring over a baby. The dog needs to be acclimated to the sound of a baby crying.” There are CDs with baby sounds and even some on You-Tube.  Riley watched Bryan set up the baby’s crib and sniffed it. It also helped to turn on the baby swing and have Riley sniff baby lotion too. Once he got used to the changes and smells, Riley was ready for the new addition to the family.

Before they brought Mason home, Bryan took Riley into the nursery. He dressed a Teddy Bear toy in one of Mason’s Onesies and wrapped it in a blanket so Riley could get used to the smell. Bryan held the teddy bear in his arms just as he would hold the baby.

Soon after that Alysa and Bryan brought their newborn home.  Alysa came inside first and let Riley smell Mason on her and know that something was different. Bryan followed with the baby.  Following Pietropaolo’s advice, they had Riley sniff the baby’s feet first.  The trainer had told them that it was important always to be in the room with Mason and Riley. “My concern is accidental injury,” said Pietropaolo, stressing that they should keep a leash on Riley, even in the house.

At first Riley wondered if the new baby would take a lot of their attention away, but it worked out fine.  Riley told me that his owners still spent time alone with him every day and took him for walks without the baby.  He still felt a lot of love from them.  Not only is Riley good around his baby brother Mason, but Mason is also good around Riley. Mutual respect has to go both ways. And some mutual admiration, too.

Whenever I see Riley he is right beside Mason’s stroller and happy to have the company of Mason and his owners Alysa and Bryan.  They are one happy family.

For more information on bringing home babies go to www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/preparing-your-dog-new-baby

Contact Maggie Mae Pup ReporterTM at maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant and award-winning photographer who has worked in the US and abroad.