Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Tag Archive for Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Chappaqua Book Festival, Coming 9/26

August 28, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

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They do an amazing job at the Chappaqua Book Festival. And if you find yourself remotely in the area, I urge you to check it out. The list of authors and illustrators — and the whole book scene — is just kind of staggering. It can be overwhelming at first. These huge tents packed with people. But take it slow, make it small. Look at some books. Chat with some authors. Bump into an old friend. Talk to someone else. Think of books as gifts. Spend money. Support the arts. Make it a day.

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Anyway, the Festival organizers posted this the other day . . .

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Welcome back to CCBF acclaimed author of books for kids of all ages, James Preller

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James Preller has written a wide variety of books that meet young readers exactly where they are, from playful books for the youngest readers, to the beloved Jigsaw Jones mysteries, to powerful young adult novels that tackle important topics for teens.

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James’ featured title, Shaken, is an honest and powerful story about identity, friendship, and how to navigate unexpected changes! It is the story of 7th-grade soccer player, Kristy Barrett, whose life revolves around soccer. It is her source of friendships, self-esteem, dreams, and identity. When faced with a serious concussion, she’s forced to pivot and try to figure out who she is, what she wants, and how to get there.

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James will also be signing:

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Blood Mountain

Bystander

Exit 13: The Whispering Pines

Fairy House & Fairy House Halloween Choose Your Own Adventure

Jigsaw Jones books (Case from Outer Space & The Case of the Buried Treasure)

Only in Washington, D.C.

Scary Tales: 3 Spooky Stories in 1

& Two Ballerinas and a Moose: Ready-to-Read Level 1

& Two Birds…and a Moose: Ready-to-Read Level 1

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Be sure to meet James at CCBF on 9/26 to discover a new favorite from his wide-ranging collection of books for readers of all kinds!

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Nice, right? They almost manage to make me look pretty good!

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SERIOUSLY, STOP BY AND SAY HELLO!

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Category: Current Events / Tags: Chappaqua Children's Book Festival

Upcoming Book Festivals, Near & Not So Far!

July 14, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

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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!

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OCTOBER 11: Warwick!

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OCTOBER 24th: Marlboro!

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It’s a brand new festival, so I’m super excited to check it out.

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OCTOBER 25th: Schenectady!

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I’ll be signing various Halloween-themed books from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

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NOVEMBER 7th: Rochester!

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My apologies for not providing all the details here.

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If only there was somewhere people could go to get quick, easy information right at their fingertips. A search engine that could instantly . . .

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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.

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!

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Come to the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival: 9/28/24

September 23, 2024 / jimmy / No comments

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It’s that time of year again . . .

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If you love children’s books, this is the event for you. This Saturday in Chappaqua, NY — more than 150 children’s book authors and illustrators gathered together under several tents, happy to chat, sign books, make connections, and most of all, celebrate literacy.

I’m thrilled to be invited once again. Lucky me. Please say hello if you can make it.

Thanks!

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Category: Current Events, School Visits / Tags: Chappaqua Children's Book Festival, James Preller Public appearances

My Niece Fixed My Hair . . . and Other News

August 6, 2024 / jimmy / No comments

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So this happened:

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It’s exciting news, I’ll be participating in yet another Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. It’s a privilege and a pleasure.

But my hair.

What the actual . . . ?

I may have complained on social media. As a profession curmudgeon, I can’t disappoint my dozens — and DOZENS — of followers.

Obviously, somebody hacked away on Photoshop. A bad trim. I got a tragic haircut while staying at home minding my own business.

Anyway, I’m fortunate. My fabulous niece, Sara, saw this affront to my coiffure and, having skillz, fixed it.

She posted this:

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There. Now I feel so much better.

I have four new (or semi-new) books in 2024:

Blood Mountain in paperback:

A collection of Scary Tales in paperback:

A new easy-to-read story:

And a middle-grade novel:

How’s that for range?

So, please, yes, come by and say hello. You don’t have to buy anything. I’ll be the guy wearing a hat!

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Category: Happenings / Tags: Chappaqua Children's Book Festival, James Preller hair, New books from James Preller

Comings & Goings: Three Book Festival in 8 Days

September 26, 2023 / jimmy / One comment

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I’ll be driving around, working on weekends, and showing up at various upcoming book festivals. If you can make it, yes, please, by all means stop by my table and say hello.

I’ll be signing books and eager to talk about school visits. Or if you wish, just write to me at: [email protected] and we can begin the conversation that way.

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1) SEPTEMBER 30th, 2023

CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

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This one is bananas. Something like 180 authors & illustrators, possibly the biggest children’s book festival in the States? Who is going to be there? Everybody.

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2) OCTOBER 1st, 2023

MAPLEWOOD SOUTH ORANGE BOOK FESTIVAL

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This is a new one for me, which is exciting and slightly anxiety provoking. I’m hoping for smaller, quieter, cozier. I’m hoping to see area teachers and librarians and maybe we can begin talking about school visits.

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3) OCTOBER 7th, 2023

WARWICK CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

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Ah, sweet Warwick. A lovely town and a nice day in the park. If you’ve never visited Warwick, NY, here’s a good excuse. Please say hello. Here are some of the titles that *might* be there . . .