attention! The location of book fest 2022 has been moved to the first arena.

The Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley Presents: Book Fest 2022: Characters with Character! Book Fest is a family event offering free book centered fun including live music, character readers, games and activities. Free books for children while supplies last.

Food will be available from the following venders: Kool Treats Ice Cream, SPM Empanadas, and CFJP Bistro

Print version of the poster (PDF)

Featured Performers John Simon and Cal Walker

Featuring authors Kevin Coolidge, Maria Lei Antonio, and Charde Vera

Community participants Wings of Eagles, CIDS, Corning Community College, New Day, Head Start, Elmira College TEACH Club, STEM Academy, Horseheads Family Resource Center, SPCA, Community Arts, Tanglewood Nature Center , Chemung County Historical Society

SCHEDULE - See below overview of performers

10:30 to 11:15 - John Simon and Cal Walker
11:30 to 12:00 - New Kids Puppet Show
12:15 to 12:45 - Mr. Jeff
1:00 to 1:30 - Ernie Davis Consortium

Featured Performers

John Simon and Cal Walker have been bringing books to life as a team for over fifteen years, entertaining children of all ages in schools and college campuses and some of the most beautiful theaters in Central New York. John writes the music and plays the guitar, Cal uses his hands to act out the pages, and audiences are encouraged to join in on the fun. They’re based in Ithaca, NY where they currently serve as literacy emissaries for The Children’s Reading Connection.

The Kids on the Block program is powerful in helping break down barriers, enabling children to be candid with their questions and concerns. The puppets also help children feel positive about themselves, accept individual differences and learn valuable personal skills. The Kids on the Block is a troupe of educational puppets that dress and act like real children. Each nearly life-sized puppet character has a distinct personality and life story. Like real children, some have developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Kids on the Block website.

The Ernie Davis Music Consortium offers music education and performance opportunities to youth in Chemung County. Participants acquire basic knowledge in performance techniques, music theory and ear training. We are currently running a vocal performance and Recording studio program. Our youth gain experiences through live performances, workshops, attending professional performances and so much more.

Jeffrey Mathews “Mr. Jeff” is thrilled to be making his Bookfest debut! During the day, Jeffrey can be found working in the youth department at the Steele Memorial Library where he creates programs for children ages 0-12. He is a trained musician, as well as a published play-write/composer alongside his best friend, Jordan Louis Fischer. Jeffrey is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC.

Kevin Coolidge is currently the author of thirteen children's books and the creator of the Totally Ninja Raccoons. He is the co owner of From My Shelf Books in Wellsboro. Kevin also resides in Wellsboro, just a short hike from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. When he's not writing, you can find him at the bookstore which he could not run without his lovely wife, several helpful employees, and two friendly bookstore cats, Huck & Finn. Kevin Coolidge Website.

Maria Lei Antonio is a full-time student at Elmira College, triple majoring in childhood education, special education, and English literature. Maria grew up and resides in Beaver Dams, New York. At a very young age, she knew that she would pursue a career in education due to her love for children and determination to make a difference. Her radiant personality makes her stand out amongst the crowd. Maria’s Halo Publishing web page.

Maria’s recently published book: Everyone is unique in their own way. “Field Day for Eugene” is about a young boy who has a physical disability. One of Eugene’s classmates notices that his wheelchair may impact his participation in field day. The class realizes that even though Eugene has a disability, he is still capable of achieving amazing things. In a world with so many differences, we all can decide to be kind, accepting, and inclusive.

Charde Vera is a U.S. Navy veteran, passionate writer, and a loving wife and mother. Charde developed an affinity for writing from a young age, which she refined through journaling since she was 5 years old. Over the years, she has ardently pursued her passion for writing to become a published author with a journal and several books to her name.

Charde draws inspiration from her love for life and a deep desire to encourage, empower, and guide girls into believing, trusting, and loving themselves unconditionally. Charde’s books and journal are articulate, highly impactful, and a must read for anyone who seeks well-contemplated guidance to self-love. Currently, she is working on publishing more books and journals. Website: chardevera.com