"Runaway Bunny" Lovers, Unite: It's The Great Children's Read

True children’s book aficionados know that “Goodnight, Moon” and “Harold and the Purple Crayon” are right up there with ”Remembrance of Things Past” and “Madame Bovary” as the truly great works of literature. Now, everyone can revel in children’s books at the New York Times’ Great Children’s Read, this Sunday, October 4, at New York’s Columbia University (116th Street and Broadway; 10 am-5 pm). The event features celebrities, librarians and just plan folk reading from great children’s books like the folk tale “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears”; excerpts from “Winnie-the-Pooh” (our personal favorite); and the classic picture book “Blueberries for Sal,” by Robert McCloskey. Readers include Roscoe Orman (Gordon from “Sesame Street”); Gregory Jbara (“Broadway’s “Billy Elliott”)’ and WCBS-TV news anchor Dana Tyler.
While reading is the focus, other activities also take center stage at the event. Examples? Book signings! Live entertainment! Giveaways!
You can buy some of the books that are being read, and have featured authors sign them. Big Apple Circus clowns will be entertaining passersby on the main quad; and representatives from The New York Public Library System will be on hand--a good time to check out their programs and pick up a library card if you don’t already have one. Information about Columbia University will be distributed, and families can try their hand at mask making, inspired by the costumes from “The Lion King.” Organizations from The New Victory Theater to The New York Historical Society will also feature activities and programs for kids.
So ready, set, read!