Bernadette Peters, Gregory Jbara, Cheyenne Jackson, Matt Cavenaugh, Constantine Maroulis and Linda Eder are among the participants of the third annual New York Times 'Great Children's Read.' The day-long event is a free celebration of reading featuring live entertainment for children and families, presented by Target. A list of New York's top-20 "Favorite Stories to Read-Aloud" was specially selected this year by children's librarians from the three public library systems of New York City: Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and Queens Library. Celebrities from film, TV and Broadway will read the 20 books on the list.
The "Favorite Stories to Read-Aloud" for young readers ages three to eight, will be read by star of Broadway's "West Side Story," Matt Cavenaugh; Miss New York USA 2009, Tracey Chang; former professional baseball player and broadcaster Roberto Clemente, Jr.; "The Electric Company" actor Dominic Colon; Broadway star and recording artist Linda Eder; MSNBC's Willie Geist; star of Broadway's "Memphis," Montego Glover; NY1 News's parenting expert Shelley Goldberg; EVP for Government & Community Affairs, Columbia University, Maxine Griffith; Olympic gold medalist figure skater Sarah Hughes; star of Broadway's "Finian's Rainbow," Cheyenne Jackson; Tony Award winner for Broadway's "Billy Elliot," Gregory Jbara; co-anchor of NBC's "The Today Show," Natalie Morales; star of Broadway's "Rock of Ages," Constantine Maroulis; "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" actor JuliAnne Nicholson; "Sesame Street"'s "Gordon," Roscoe Orman; Tony Award winning star of Broadway's "Wicked," Rondi Reed; comedian/actor Jerry Stiller; WCBS-TV News anchor Dana Tyler; and more to be announced. The reading stage will be hosted by WOR Radio710am personality Liz Hamburg.
Featured entertainment at the Target Children's Stage this year will include performances by Playhouse Disney's "Choo-Choo Soul," Hip Hop Harry ("Move Those Feet"), Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players ("Pop Fly") and Yo Gabba Gabba! featuring D.J. Lance Rock & Brobee ("New Friends, Meet the Gabba Gang"), and readings by celebrated children's book authors and illustrators John Carter Cash ("Momma Loves Her Little Son"), Kate Feiffer ("My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life," "Which Puppy?") and Jules Feiffer ("Which Puppy?"), Jacqueline Dembar Greene (American Girl Collection: The "Rebecca" Series), Alec Greven ("How To Talk to Girls"), Jarrett J. Krosoczka ("Punk Farm," The Lunch Lady books), Jane O'Connor (the "Fancy Nancy" series), Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters ("Broadway Barks!"), Randall de Sève and Peter de Sève ("The Dutchess of Whimsey"), Melodee Strong ("You Are Important" Board Book Series) and Peter Yarrow ("Puff the Magic Dragon," "Day is Done").
The event will be held rain or shine on Sunday, Oct. 4th, 10 a.m - 5 p.m., at Columbia University, Broadway and 116th Street.
For updates and the latest schedules of participating authors and events, please visit www.NYTimes.com/GreatRead.
