Greenlight Bookstore brings its literary programming for kids outdoors this summer, with a monthly Story Time series in partnership with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy. Noted authors and artists Fran Manushkin, Julia Sarcone-Roach, and Giada Crispiels will present their books for Sunday afternoon story times at the newly built Redoubt at the top of Fort Greene Park, with interactive activities for kids and families. Each month’s book features images of public parks, in a celebration of Fort Greene’s own beloved public green space. Craft activities follow each event.
Location: Fort Putnam Program Redoubt, adjacent to the Fort Greene Park Visitor Center
“The Fort Greene Park Conservancy is excited to partner with Greenlight Bookstore for what should be a wonderful addition to programming in our Park,” writes Program and Development Manager Julian Macrone. “The Summer Story Time Series will bring together our park users and incredibly talented local authors, and we’re lucky to be able to celebrate Fort Greene’s front yard alongside a neighbor as important to our community as Greenlight.”
Sunday, May 15, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Fran Manushkin presents Happy in Our Skin, followed by paper bag puppet craft…
Fran Manushkin presents her book Happy in Our Skin, a rollicking, rhyming picture book where children of all ethnicities, abilities, and religions enjoy their families and neighbors at urban parks, pools, and block parties. Following the reading, kids can create paper bag puppets of characters from the book or of their own loved ones.
Sunday, June 19, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Julia Sarcone-Roach presents The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, followed by bear-themed paper craft
Optional BYO sandwich picnic preceding the event!
Brooklyn author Julia Sarcone-Roach presents her book The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, the story of a bear lost in the city who happens upon an unattended sandwich in the park (though the park’s other inhabitants may know more than they admit.) Julia accompanies her reading with a bear finger-puppet craft, and families are encouraged to bring their own delicious sandwiches for a picnic lunch in the park.
Sunday, July 17, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Giada Crispiels presents Wildlife of New York: A Five Borough Coloring Book, followed by all-ages coloring workshop
Artist Giada Crispiels presents her coloring book Wildlife of New York: A Five Borough Coloring Book, featuring intricate images and playful details that celebrate the city’s landscape and animal life, from parks to brownstones to skyscrapers and beaches. Giada talks about her work, then offers a guided coloring workshop of her beautiful city scenes for children and adults.
“We’re delighted to take Story Time to the park this summer!” says Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo, Greenlight Bookstore’s co-owner and events coordinator. “Fort Greene Park is one of our most wonderful neighborhood resources, and it’s great to celebrate it along with some of our favorite authors and artists. A Sunday afternoon with books and crafts in the sunshine at the Redoubt: what could be better?”
All events are free and open to the public, and all craft materials are provided. For more information see the contact email below.