Pitchford Appears for Signing of his Children's Book, 3/21

Books of Wonder, New York City's oldest and largest independent children's bookstore, welcomes Academy Award-winning singer/songwriter Dean Pitchford on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 5 p.m.  Dean Pitchford, screenplay writer of the hit movie Footloose and co-writer of the song "Fame," will be on hand to present his first children's book, The Big One-Oh.

"In The Big One-Oh, friendless and fatherless Charley Maplewood is turning 10 - the big one-oh - and bravely decides to throw himself a birthday party with a House of Horrors theme. But one disaster follows another until Charley's big day ends up a total, complete, utter, full-blown catastrophe…and yet, somehow, the best birthday a kid could ever hope for! This is a book for anyone who is, was, or ever plans to be ten!," as press materials describe the book.

In addition to lyrics for Fame and Footloose, Pitchford co-wrote the Broadway musical Carrie.  His lyrics have also been heard in The Boy from Oz, and he has performed on Broadway in Pippin.

"We are excited that Dean chose Books of Wonder as the site to launch his first children's book," said Peter Glassman, owner of Books of Wonder.  "The authors and illustrators who appear here are part of an elite group that represent the best of the best in children's literature."

Located in Manhattan's Flatiron district, Books of Wonder is the city's leading specialist in children's literature.  Known both for its huge selection of modern children's books as well as its incredible collection of old, rare, out-of-print, and collectible children's books, Books of Wonder is one of the nation's foremost dealers in antique and collectible children's books. Serving collectors and enthusiasts, the out-of-print and collectible books range in price from $10 to $10,000.

Books of Wonder is where parents have taken their children to light the flame of learning and a lifetime love of books for the past 27 years. The space combines old-world charm with youthful exuberance to create an atmosphere that welcomes all ages from toddler to teen to grandparent.

Books of Wonder is located at 18 W. 18th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.