• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Print Subscription
  • Contact Us

literacy

Take a “Walk in the Words”

August 25, 2022 by Elizabeth Blye

…and Experience the Magic of Books and Connection at The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 15

Take a “Walk in the Words” and experience the magic of books and connection at The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 15, 2022.

Inspired by the beautiful and diverse stories told by the 150+ authors, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) celebrates literacy, the power of words, and the unifying quality of books. Festival organizers thank Hudson Talbott, author of American Library Association (ALA) honor book, A Walk in the Words, for creating this year’s incredible poster art, and for showing readers that words are stepping stones and that they should always take their time to “savor the story!” (Talbott).

The 9th annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will take place on October 15, 2022 at the Chappaqua Station from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Many fan favorites are returning, along with beloved traditions, including author signings, sponsor activities, story time, and musical performances, and there will be lots of exciting new additions. While the festival made a much-anticipated return in 2021, albeit on a small scale, organizers anticipate this year to be a perfect fall day for readers and families to meet their favorite authors and enjoy all the town has to offer.

“It’s a thrill to be heading into our ninth annual festival,” Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of CCBF, said. “We are so happy that it’s bigger than ever with some very exciting new authors plus our many favorites from years past. We are expanding our family fun zone and our food truck area, too. We really want families to come and spend the day…and then to take some time to explore our beautiful town! Fall is the best time in Chappaqua. Combine that with smiling kids meeting their favorite authors–it’s a day like no other.”

Historically the festival has been a county-wide favorite, and has drawn authors, illustrators, and visitors from many neighboring states. Among those are local authors and illustrators including Nick Bruel (Bad Kitty), Barbara Dee (Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet), Sujean Rim (Zoogie Boogie Fever), and Matt (Pet) & Mara Van Fleet (Three Little Mermaids). Recent award winners Veera Hiranandani (How To Find What You’re Not Looking For) and Kyle Lukoff (Too Bright To See) will return as part of the day’s lineup; and celebrated authors, Phil Bildner (A High Five For Glenn Burke), Mike Curato (Where is Bina Beat?), Alyson Gerber (Taking Up Space), Chris Grabenstein (Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game), Dan Gutman (My Weirdest School), James Howe (Bunnicula), Victoria Kann (Pinkalicious), Alan Katz (Awesome Achievers in Technology), Torrey Maldonado (What Lane?), Janae Marks (A Soft Place to Land), Kate Messner (Over and Under the Waves), Laurie Morrison (Coming Up Short), Co-authors Gae Polisner & Nora Raliegh Baskin (Consider the Octopus), Lauren Tarshis (I Survived), and Mark Teague (King King’s Cousin) will ALL be in attendance again, just to name a few!

Some of the highly anticipated new additions include Selina Alko (I is for Immigrants), Melanie Conklin (A Perfect Mistake), Carrie Firestone (The First Rule of Climate Club), Josh Funk (My Pet Feet), Valerie Goldstein (Violet’s Victory), Rajani LaRocca (Red, White, and Whole), Claribel Ortega (Witchlings), Eric Rosswood (Strong), Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Operation Sisterhood), Elly Swartz (Dear Student), and Jennifer Thermes (Manhattan: Mapping the Story on an Island).

Also new to the festival (and traveling great distances to meet readers) are rockstar husband & wife team, Chris Barton (How to Make a Book (About My Dog)) and Jennifer Ziegler (Worser), Lisa Fipps (Starfish), Christina Diaz Gonzalez (Invisible), and Sally J Pla (Benji, The Bad Day, And Me).

Emily Barth Isler (Aftermath), who will be flying in from California shared that, “The opportunity to connect with other authors in person is always exciting, but meeting readers and getting to connect with the people we truly write the books for is the best part.”

The full roster of authors, illustrators, and sponsors can be found on the CCBF site. Be sure to check it out so you can plan your day!

The power of books and connection

The CCBF board actively seeks to ensure that all readers find books that both highlight their identities and help them to develop empathy towards others. This mission is grounded in the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop who is widely respected for her commentary on the importance of diverse books which reflect the world in which we live. In her 1990 essay, she wrote:

“Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms the human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience.” (Bishop, 1990).

A little over 30 years later, as many diverse children’s books have become the targets of criticism, CCBF is proud to promote literacy and openly stands against censorship and book banning. The board and all volunteers hope the event serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of words and the many ways books unite us.

Jyoti Gopal (American Desi), who volunteered at the Chappaqua Book Festival in the past, is “excited to participate as a debut author this year!” She says, “Books were a lifeline for me growing up but I rarely found books that represented me. I love the range of stories and genres that are available at the Festival and am thankful that I will be one of the many voices represented there–it’s vitally important for children to be able to see themselves and their experiences in books, to see that their identity is affirmed and valued. And it’s a super fun day!”

Festival organizers will follow up-to-date guidelines and protocols regarding social distances, crowd numbers and masking policies. They will ensure that the festival is a safe space for all and encourages everyone to do what makes them feel most comfortable and excited to attend and enjoy the day.

9th Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chappaqua Train Station
ccbfestival.org

Filed Under: Cover Stories, Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: books, Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, connections, literacy, reading, The Chappaqua Children's Book Festival

The RETURN of the CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

August 17, 2021 by Robin Goetz

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

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Chappaqua Tradition, Children's Book Authors, Jean Craighead George, literacy, reading, Safety guidelines, Volunteer Event

Westchester’s 11th Annual 9/11 Serve & Remember Events begin September 9

August 11, 2021 by Inside Press

In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Volunteer New York! will join as hosts of the 11th annual “9/11: Serve + Remember” event taking place throughout our area from Thursday, Sept. 9–Sunday, Sept. 12.

“This year’s 20th anniversary serves a grim reminder of the nation’s darkest day, but it also reminds us of how thousands came together afterward, helping each other, comforting each other and rising through tragedy. We encourage everyone to participate to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the first responders who saved lives and continue to battle illnesses acquired from that day,” said County Executive George Latimer.

Online registration is now open for individuals, groups, and families. To sign up or learn more visit volunteernewyork.org/service. Advanced registration is required for all 9/11 Day service opportunities.

“For over 10 years we’ve given thousands of community members a way to take part in the National 9/11 Day Movement. Each year built on the solemn legacy of the last,” said Jeanette Gisbert, Volunteer New York! Executive Director. “We encourage all past and potential volunteers to join us this September in the spirit of remembrance and resilience. If ever a time to show unity, the time is now.”

This year’s 20th Anniversary Day of Service events will include two special large-scale park cleanup projects on Saturday, September 11 at Tibbets Brook Park in Yonkers and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson thanks to a partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation.

Erin Cordiner, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, Westchester Parks Foundation, said “Parks have the power to transform lives, shape lives, and preserve memories. We are proud to stand with Westchester County and Volunteer New York to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and encourage residents to sign up to help us honor the anniversary and improve the quality of life in our community.”

All projects on Sunday, September 12 will take place at either a New Rochelle Volunteer Hub at IONA College or a Valhalla Volunteer Hub at Westchester Community College. Please review online opportunity description to find out if a project is family-friendly or has requirements, like wearing a mask.

 

2021 9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER EVENT SCHEDULE: www.serveandremember.org

Thursday, September 9 at 7 PM

  • Free Webinar: Volunteering with Equity in Mind (Virtual)
    • All volunteers are encouraged to participate in live event
    • The last 18 months have shined a light on the glaring inequalities between those that have and those that have not. Join Charles Curtis, Volunteer New York! Community Outreach Manager, for a live presentation of the original Volunteer New York! webinar, “Volunteering with Equity in Mind” where we will share volunteer tips on how best to advocate for those in our community and bridge the gap between those we serve and those who serve.

 

Saturday, September 11

  • Croton Point Park Cleanup Event (Croton-on-Hudson)
    • Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
    • Shifts:  9 AM – 11 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM

 

  • Tibbets Brook Park Cleanup Event (Yonkers)
    • Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
    • Shifts:  9 AM – 11 AM / 12 PM – 2 PM

 

Sunday, September 12

  • Westchester Community College (Valhalla Volunteer Hub)
    • Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
      • Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
      • Supports Youth Literacy
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
      • Supports United for the Troops
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

  • IONA College (New Rochelle Volunteer Hub)
    • Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
      • Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
      • Supports Youth Literacy
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
      • Supports United for the Troops
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

*Denotes a project or volunteer shift where wearing a mask is mandatory or subject to latest CDC guidelines.

ABOUT NATIONAL 9/11 DAY OF SERVICE

9/11 Day was created in 2002 as a way to meaningfully honor the memories of those lost on September 11, 200 and to inspire Americans and others to do good deeds in support of creating a better and more peaceful world. It’s also a day that is meant to help rekindle the extraordinary spirit of togetherness, volunteerism, and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy.

Since becoming a National Day of Service, 9/11 Day has grown incredibly into the United States’ largest day of charitable service. By volunteering on 9/11 Day each year, you help support their mission to transform the anniversary of September 11 into a worldwide day of good and a symbol of American resilience –helping to keep the spirit of all who were lost alive in our hearts and minds creating a positive legacy that can be passed down for generations upon generations to come.

Learn more about the #911DAY movement at 911day.org

EVENT SPONSORS

            The 2021 9/11: Serve + Remember community-wide day of service is presented by Volunteer New York! and Westchester County, and in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation. With thanks to the generous support from major sponsor, Robison Oil. As well as additional support from event sponsors Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. With special thanks to media sponsor 95.5 K-Love Radio and project sponsors Levitt Fuirst and Sterling National Bank. As well as to our Sunday volunteer hub host sites IONA College in New Rochelle and Westchester Community College in Valhalla.

ABOUT VOLUNTEER NEW YORK!

The core mission of Volunteer New York! (volunteernewyork.org) is to inspire, mobilize, and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support non-profits and improve the quality of life in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam. For over 70 years the organization has encouraged adults to serve, youth to build character, families to bond, young professionals to lead, mature adults to share their wisdom and businesses to engage through volunteerism.

Last year Volunteer New York! helped to inspire over 35,000 volunteers to take action and to coordinate over 360,000 hours of service that supported more than 500 nonprofits and local organizations, providing a value of $11.7 million back to our community.

 

New courtesy of the Westchester County Executive office.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 9/11, 9/11 Ceremony, 9/11 Serve and Remember, 9/11Day.org, George Latimer, literacy, Parks Cleanup, Volunteer New York, Westchester

Excitement Building for the Return of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 2!

May 21, 2021 by Inside Press

The 2021 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) Will Make Its Post Pandemic Return Saturday October 2, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Plans for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival–the largest annual children’s book festival in the tri-state region–are well underway! Some 45 renowned children’s book authors and illustrators are anticipated to attend, and festival goers can look forward to enjoying the always festive mix of book signings, readings, illustrator demos, and more. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to literacy programs in schools throughout Westchester and Metro New York.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) will take place on Saturday, October 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., outside the  Chappaqua Train Station in Chappaqua, New York. This year, CCBF will limit the number of authors and illustrators in attendance for the sake of social distancing and safety for all.  It is the festival’s eighth annual event, http://www.ccbfestival.org/. Admission and parking are free and the event will be held rain or shine. 

Children’s Book Author Dan Gutman

In its eighth year, the festival, promoting community and literacy, will have authors covering multiple genres and reading levels, author readings, illustrator demos, book signings and books for sale. Food will be available this year from the Chappaqua Farmers Market or visitors may take a stroll through town for other delicious options. CCBF will support literacy programs in area schools. CCBF notes that many favorite authors will be joining his year, include Dan Gutman, author of 160 children’s books like “The Genius Files” series and his newest book and his first graphic novel, My Weird School, which just launched this past January. Also anticipated: Vedra Hiranandani, author of The Night Diary, a winner of the Newbery Honor, and Biscuits creators Alyssa Capucilli and Pat Schories, who are celebrating Biscuit’s 25th birthday! 

The 2021 Festival’s poster art, brilliantly done by Stephen Savage, an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose accolades include a New York Times Best Illustrated Book (Polar Bear Night) and a Geisel Honor (Supertruck). He recently published a new book, And, Then Came Hope, for the very young, sure to provide comfort and reassurance, based on the true story of the S.S. Hope hospital ship! He teaches at the School of Visual Arts and lives in Brooklyn, New York.  

This year as a safety precaution, all visitors will be required to register online, in advance of the festival. All guests will be required to be vaccinated, if they are eligible and over two years old, and will be required to wear masks.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is a grassroots, all-volunteer effort, with community members working together so that children and teens can be inspired by their favorite authors.  The Festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the creators of their favorite characters – to appreciate that there is a real person behind the art and the words on the page.

Since its inception in 2013, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival has grown from 65 authors to 145, and from 4,000 visitors, to 7,000 at our last festival in 2019, from all over the tri-state region. The CCBF states that it  hopes to return to these large numbers in 2022.

For more information, visit http://www.ccbfestival.org/ or follow the CCBF at www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.

The above news was received and edited by the Inside Press, an official media sponsor for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

Filed Under: Happenings, New Castle News Tagged With: authors, books, children's books, literacy, post pandemic, reading, The Chappaqua Children's Book Festival

Primary Sidebar

Please Visit

William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
White Plains Hospital
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Raveis: Lisa Koh and Allison Coviello
Purple Plains
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Congregation B’nai Yisrael
Roamfurther Athletics
Compass: Natalia Wixom
Houlihan: Tara Siegel
Houlihan: Kile Boga-Ibric
David Visconti Painting & Contracting
Temple Beth El
Pinksky Studio

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua and Millwood Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Publisher’s Note Regarding Our Valued Sponsors

Inside Press is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in either sponsor-driven stories or in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising or sponsor driven stories that appear in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s.

Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2025 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in