“Nǐ hǎo!” This girl showed an interest in the Mandarin bilingual book series “Gordon & Li Li” by Michele Wong McSween, seen above. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn Book Festival held its special day just for kids on Saturday at Borough Hall, and the perfect weather, fun activities and top-flight authors and illustrators brought out a crowd. Events included readings, book signings and hands-on workshops, with books for sale in the marketplace.
The happenings included co-authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin signing copies of their New York Times best-selling historical mystery novel, “The Bletchley Riddle” for a line of young fans. (The book follows a brother and sister unraveling a mystery at Bletchley Park, the secret center of Britain’s codebreaking program during World War II.)
Co-authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin signed copies of their best-selling historical mystery novel, “The Bletchley Riddle,” at the Brooklyn Book Festival’s Children’s Day on Saturday. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Later, Margaret Nattrass, age 15 months, photobombed Sheinkin during his presentation inside Borough Hall — but she was so adorable no one seemed to mind. “She’s a future author,” dad Christopher noted.
Working dog Cher, star of the picture book “Hi! I’m Cher. I Go Everywhere: A Mindfulness Book For Children & Their Grownups,” took the noisy crowd in stride. Cher, who describes herself as half French bulldog and half beagle, was accompanied by Canadian author Jane Enright and author associate Karen Rando-Nehmad. Enright said she worked with New Jersey illustrators Monica Joy and Asha Butler “to teach youngsters about working dogs, believing in yourself, building community and the things adults do.”
Author/illustrator Brendan Wenzel gave a lesson in drawing animals and then invited children up to do likewise. Woody, shown here, drew a cheetah. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Brendan Wenzel, author and illustrator of numerous books including Caldecott-Honor winner “They All Saw a Cat,” gave a quick lesson in drawing animals and then invited children up to do likewise. Young Woody drew a cheetah, and Yuri drew a “long-tail mouse.”
Yeon Kim, founder of Together Art, with her daughter Hailey, age 8. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Yeon Kim, founder of Together Art, showed off her “create your own story” coloring stickers on a variety of topics including the seasons and birthdays. Her daughter Hailey, 8, said her favorite set was the “Sweet Home” stickers. “She helps me a lot,” Yeon said.
Margaret Nattrass, age 15 months, photobombed Steve Sheinkin, co-author of “The Bletchley Riddle,” during his Borough Hall presentation — but no one minded. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Children’s hands-on workshops included “What Makes a Feast for a Monster?” The project involved drawing monsters with Meritxell Marti and Xavier Salomó, creators of “A Monster’s Meal.”
“We have invented ‘cute terror,’” Marti said. “If you’re really scared you can scream or run away, but it will be the first time,” Salomó added.
Hands-on workshops included “What Makes a Feast for a Monster?” with Meritxell Marti and Xavier Salomó, creators of “A Monster’s Meal.” Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn EagleCher, star of the picture book “Hi! I’m Cher. I Go Everywhere: A Mindfulness Book For Children & Their Grownups” by Jane Enright. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn EagleAuthor Jane Enright (left) and author associate Karen Rando-Nehmad hold copies of “Hi! I’m Cher. I Go Everywhere: A Mindfulness Book For Children & Their Grownups.” Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn EagleNaturally, there is a children’s book — “Zohran Walks New York” — about mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, by Millie von Platen. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
