Archive for July 14, 2026

Upcoming Book Festivals, Near & Not So Far!

It’s July. I know, I know. But blink and, alas, school days come ’round again. Then Autumn comes and with it, book festivals! 

Because this is the time of year when we try — oh, we try — to encourage & foster a love of reading. A love for books, and writing, and critical thinking. And one great way to do that is by attending a children’s book festival. Meeting authors. Buying books. Getting signatures. Experiencing a fun, unique, literacy-centered activity with your children, your neighbor’s children, your grandchildren, any old children you can beg, borrow, or steal.

Make America Read Again!

I’ll be there for all of these events, plus a special (and rare) book signing at the Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, NY.

 

SEPTEMBER 26th, Chappaqua!

OCTOBER 11: Warwick!

OCTOBER 24th: Marlboro!
It’s a brand new festival, so I’m super excited to check it out. 
OCTOBER 25th: Schenectady!
I’ll be signing various Halloween-themed books from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. 
NOVEMBER 7th: Rochester!
My apologies for not providing all the details here. 
If only there was somewhere people could go to get quick, easy information right at their fingertips. A search engine that could instantly . . . 
I am always deeply grateful to be invited to these events. It does my soul good to see young readers, and beautiful families, sharing a love for books. 
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!

Pub Day: FAIRY HOUSE HALLOWEEN!

Let’s celebrate.

Do you need a reason? 

Today is Pub Day for Fairy House Halloween from the “Choose Your Own Adventure Jr.” line of interactive books, ages 5-8, lavishly illustrated by the wonderful Norm Grock.

I enjoy the dizzying challenge of writing these insane little books, where everything I’ve ever learned about writing is inverted. To write one requires a map! For example, the endings — there are 13 — don’t matter. There is no “true” ending. Just trying to give the reader a sense of engagement and a wild ride where anything is possible.

This book is a follow-up to Fairy House.
Popular demand, you know.
Here’s a little excerpt, so you get the vibe . . . 
“Of course I want to help save Halloween,” you tell the little man. “It’s my favorite holiday!”
Your answer makes Beezle so happy he flies in big circles.
“Not only that,” you continue, “but I’ll help you earn new golden wings!”
“Yippee, yahoo, kazoo!” Beezle cries, clapping his hands together. “It’s time to get to work. We must spread Halloween Magic far and wide. How should we begin? With nothing but happy treats? Or would you like a few tricks, too?”
—-
If you ask for tricks and treats, turn to the next page.
If you ask for only treats, turn to page 15.
NOTE: It’s Summer Hours here at Ye Olde Blog. We’re taking it slow until the school year kicks in, and then I’ll start my annual pleading for school visits!