Manhasset’s Munsey Park and Shelter Rock Elementary School students and parents recently enjoyed their respective SCA Scholastic book fairs, both of which carried special themes to make the weeklong event fun and family oriented.
Each book fair was highlighted by a “Family Fun Night” in which families enjoyed an evening out filled with reading, purchasing books and activities geared toward their school-specific theme.
Shelter Rock families came out to “paw-ty” for this year’s theme of “Paws for Books” as students took pictures with some familiar friends who dressed for the occasion: Shelter Rock Principal Robert Gezcik, who arrived dressed as a dog, and Assistant Principal Paulette Williams, who represented the felines.
Book fair committee chairpersons Jenny Bordieri and Renee DiGirolomo barked up the right tree by welcoming the purr-fect guest authors: Sayantani DasGupta, writer of a new series, “The Serpent’s Secret: Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond,” as well as Jason Carter Eaton, writer of several popular children’s titles, including “The Catawampus Cat.”
Eaton also greeted students in full character to read his book, “Great, Now We’ve Got Barbarians!” while dressed as a barbarian himself.
The school also held a book cover contest in which covers were recognized from every grade level and winners were awarded gift certificates.
Munsey Park families stepped into their cowboy boots and saddled up for a trip to the “Wild West Book Fair.”
They were met by the Wild West Wagon Train that delivered precious supplies to the local cowboys and cowgirls.
The cow folk also had the opportunity to hang out in the Munsey O.K. Corral in between prospecting for books.
Book fair committee chairpersons Caroline Smith and Anna Vomvolakis roped in guest author Laurie Calkhoven, who signed copies of her new book, “G.I. Dogs,” for the children.
Earlier in the week, the school hosted a special event for local preschool children. Miss Mary played the guitar and read books as youngsters participated in raffles, received prizes and had the opportunity to check out their future stomping grounds.
During the week, teachers from both schools brought their classes down to their book fairs, where students had the opportunity to purchase books in the event they were unable to attend the family night festivities.
