The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Jean Craighead George

Forever on her Side: New Castle Renames and Dedicates a Park to Honor Jean Craighead George, Beloved Children’s Book Author

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Neighbors, friends-and even a dog’s well timed howl!-applauded & heralded New Castle’s renaming a local park to honor and remember Jean Craighead George.

At the dedication, Jean Craighead George’s children (left to right): Twig, Luke and Craig, were also presented with a gift–George’s 1971 drawing at Grafflin of the main character Sam for children’s book treasure, My Side of the Mountain.  Photo By Grace Bennett/Inside Press

On Sunday, October 10, Douglas Park was renamed Jean Craighead George Park to honor and remember Ms. George, an award winning author of 105 books, naturalist, and beloved and influential member of the Chappaqua community. The ceremony was filled with neighbors, friends, and those passionate about nature and conservation. The speakers told stories, reflected on George’s life, read excerpts of her work, and shared their accomplishments and hopes for the park. The speakers included Jen Bounds, Erin Spira, Sue Meany, Ronni Diamondstein, Gray Williams, Wendell Minor, Mercy Garland, and the George children.

Jean George wrote books for young people include the Newberry Medal winner, Julie of the Wolves, Newberry Honor Book, My Side of the Mountain. and the last picture book, Crowbar: The Smartest Bird in the World, that was revised by her children Luke and Twig George and illustrated by her longtime collaborator, Wendell Minor.

Jean Craighead George was one of the Inside Press’s earliest cover subjects! George was interviewed in 2004 by Lisa St. John. Photo in her storybook garden by Lynda Shenkman Curtis.

When a dog howled seemingly on cue in response to Ronni Diamondstein, President of the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees, imitating a wolf’s howl, it felt as if Jean Craighead George was there as well, and virtually everyone laughed in appreciation.

This ceremony also acknowledged the work put into the park’s restoration. Many invasive species have already been removed allowing native plants to thrive. Jen Bounds, project organizer, shared that soon after clearing the area around the stream, kids were found playing there with buckets in hand. This highlights the goal of conserving the park- to teach children to value and enjoy nature, which is what George strived to do through her writing. “This park will now serve as a memorial that enables future generations of kids to connect, enjoy, and read through a shared community,” said Erin Spira, Board of Parks and Recreation. 

While at first glance, it was difficult to view this park as anything more than overgrown plants, the speakers helped to unveil the sentiment behind this special place hidden in nature. Whether it was stories of Craig George getting stuck while caving under Douglas Road, or Luke George falling off of his bike and heading straight into the stream- the audience was able to understand the value behind this park. “I think half of you grew up with us, knew mom, knew the animals, scamperd down these woods, climbed the trees probably a little too high… this was a really magical place,” said Twig George. 

Diamondstein read Maggie Mae’s adorable story of meeting Jean George from a past edition of Inside Chappaqua; in 2004, George had graced the magazine cover after an interview with Lisa St. John.

Gray Williams, Chappaqua’s town historian, also reminisced about times he spent at the park and his hope that it “can be restored to the way it was when [he] was growing up.” With all of the progress the park has made, hopefully children in the neighborhood can escape to this wild space the same way Gray Williams and the George children used to do, and the same way Jean Craighead George encouraged through her writing.  

Ms. George passed away in 2012, but it is clear that her influence on the community as well as on future generations of children lives on. Jen Bounds shared that after reaching out to Ms. George’s children to garner support for the park dedication to present to the Recreation and Parks Commission, approximately 200 emails and letters appeared seemingly overnight.

Craig George spoke about how he had the honor of “being raised by the most interesting mom in America, in one of the most interesting houses… It was an open house, and a lot of people here I think were touched by that place.” This house can be seen from the park, and Twig said that they raised 173 wild animals there. Considering George’s love for wildlife and value of community, this park is the perfect tribute to her life. In fact, even at this one hour ceremony, a strong sense of connectedness was already felt. “Jean taught generations of children to value and conserve the wild spaces that are entrusted to us,” said Jen Bounds. “For that we dedicate this park as Jean Craighead George Park.”

 

 

 

PHOTOS BY Grace Bennett/Inside Press

The RETURN of the CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

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Community, Inclusivity & History to Come Alive again this Fall on October 2

In the past year and half, COVID has caused many events and milestones to be cancelled–from birthdays to Bar Mitzvahs, vacations to family reunions. In Chappaqua, the town missed one of its most beloved events, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), which is set to make a much-anticipated return this Fall.  

Now in its 8th year, the Chappaqua Children’s book Festival will take place on October 2, 2021 with many familiar faces and traditions, as well as some changes.

“We are beyond thrilled to be back,” said Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of, who originally championed bringing the festival to town almost a decade ago. “This feels like a true celebration, a reawakening in this town. This event truly brings our community together–from our planning committee to volunteers, local business, and even local authors–and we cannot wait to bring something familiar and joyful to town after such a rough time.”

A Community Tradition

Each year, thousands of visitors descend on Chappaqua for the CCBF, to enjoy a beautiful Fall day meeting their favorite authors and enjoying all the town has to offer. This year, due to COVID, the day might look slightly different, with a scaled back author list (about 60) and a new location (the Chappaqua Train Station), but many of the familiar faces and activities will remain, including author signings, panels, sponsor activities, and costumed characters. The festival will follow up-to-date COVID guidelines and protocols, regarding social distances, crowd numbers and masking policies.

All guests over the age of two will be required to wear masks.

“The CCBF is an “all hands on deck” volunteer event spearheaded by the indefatigable Dawn Greenberg and others who tirelessly promote literacy, reading, and countless beloved authors while reminding us that even in the era of screens, there are few things more valuable than a good ole’ fashioned paper book,” said Jeremy Saland, Acting Town Supervisor. “The Chappaqua Hamlet and greater New Castle are fortunate to host this festival and showcase the people and spirit that makes our community so welcoming to visitors and a place we are fortunate to call home.”

Despite the reduced number of authors, organizers are working to get as wide a mix as possible, from genre to subject matter and age group. Local authors and illustrators including Matt and Mara Van Fleet, Sujean Rim and Bob Bianchini will be on hand, as well as fan favorites like Dan Gutman and Alyssa Capucilli and Pat Schories of Biscuit fame. The full roster of authors and community sponsors can be found on the CCBF site.

Focus on Inclusivity

In addition to a wide mix of genres and ages, the festival will also focus on content, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Celebrated author Torrey Maldanado (What Lane), Mike Curato (Flamer) and Brendan Kiely (All American Boys) will participate, with special panels and presentations in the works.

“It is our mission to represent ALL voices,” said Greenberg. “We are so fortunate to be able to draw these esteemed authors, whose works can start so many important and often difficult conversations.”

History Celebrated & Jean Craighead George, Remembered and Honored

An exciting celebration will take place at this year’s fest, of famed Chappaqua resident Jean Craighead George’s 100th birthday and the inclusion of many of her books, some unpublished. This Fall marks the debut of her never-before-seen book, Crowbar, revised by her children Luke and Twig George, and illustrated by longtime collaborator, Wendell Minor, a veteran CCBF author who will attend again this year and feature many of George’s classics in his booth. 

This celebration coincides with a new town initiative, where a local park will be named after the author, a fitting tribute to the author who wrote about nature for children.

“All is decidedly not right with the world. but when young readers, authors, illustrators, and educators converge to celebrate literacy at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, all will be right with the world,” said Alan Katz, author. “The Festival is always one of my favorite days of the year, and I am thrilled and grateful that the organizers have found a safe and healthful way to bring it back. The plans to honor the wonderful Jean Craighead George make it all that more special.”

 

8th ANNUAL CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chappaqua Train Station

ccbfestival.org or facebook.com/chappaquabookfestival