Writers share their books at the Bolton Free Library’s Children’s Book Festival

Beautifully illustrated picture books, engaging chapter books, young adult and graphic novels, Mad Libs and character-related merchandise were among the offerings at the Bolton Free Library’s second annual Children’s Book Festival this Saturday on the library lawn.

More than a dozen writers, most with local ties, participated in the event, which gave children and their families the opportunity to discuss stories and writing with the authors, thumb through glossy pages, and purchase signed copies. Several of the works on display featured the Adirondacks and the Lake George area. The writers also held readings inside the library. An arts and crafts table kept kids busy with coloring and craft projects.

The inaugural Children’s Book Festival was organized last year by the library’s Assistant Director, Sarah Jordon, who worked with Vicki Dodd of Saratoga Springs Publishing to find children’s authors. Several authors at the first festival returned for this year’s event.

Bolton Free Library’s 2025 Children’s Book Festival authors

Eric Luper began writing in 2001 and now has a body of work that includes chapter books for the intermediate and middle school crowd, young adult novels and Mad Libs. He also writes for the Cartoon Network and has written titles for Disney. Why does he write children’s books? “I never grew up,” he jokes, and adds, “I feel I want to write books I wish I had at that age.”

Mark Shulman said that growing up, he was “awash in history” with a father who read a lot of history books. He knew since he was young that history was his area, and his books reflect that. On display at his station at the Children’s Book Festival was a series of graphic novels, biographies of figures important to America’s story, including Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington. Shulman also wrote a book for kindergarten and first-grade-aged children, “I Voted: A Choice Makes a Difference,” a title that garnered positive reviews from both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Dan Geraghty taught high school for 20 years. It wasn’t until his daughter asked, as he was finishing an MFA degree, “When are you going to write a book about me?” That prompted him to write, “Hidden Hiking Trail: Lion of the Adirondacks.” The story, featuring his daughter, is based on the true story of a mountain lion that passed through the Adirondacks.

Melissa Fyfe’s “The Adventures of Cisco & Max” (the title characters are horses) is about friendship and acceptance as Cisco, who is autistic, is anxious about the first day of school. Max provides encouragement to help Cisco through the day. Fyfe says her book was a way to combine her two passions, horses and special needs children.

Rachel Vogel returned to the Children’s Book Festival with new merchandise to accompany her series of books about adventurous raccoons. She was also excited to announce she would be collaborating with the Bolton Free Library and the Bolton Central School District to offer writer workshops for both children and adults.

Mike Ornstein came to the festival with his fanciful illustrated stories that are perfect for pre-school through grade 3. His first children’s book, “The Daddy Longlegs Blues,” introduces children to the world of the blues with rhymes and fun illustrations. “Kindergarrrten Bus” is driven by a pirate who eases the anxiety of the first day of school for his little passengers, and “Snowflakes on our Tongues” is a humorous story of farm animals delighting in the falling snow.

Patricia Martin is a Bolton resident, and the lakeside town informs the setting of her novel, “The Memory Jug.” She also authored “Travels with Rainie Marie” and “Lulu Atlantis and the Quest for True Blue Love.” Her books, written for intermediate and middle school-aged children, are about children who face challenges in their lives.

Wendy Hodash is the author of “Be Brave Hazel!” about a frightened rescue dog trying to adjust to a new home. As the title suggests, the story is about bravery. Hodash has completed a second book, “Be Brave Little Bear,” and is actively seeking a publisher to continue her series.

Susan DiChristina and Christina McKay-DiChristina are co-authors of the award-winning book, “The Barely There Bear,” a richly illustrated mystery book about what did or did not happen overnight in a family’s cabin while on summer vacation. The DiChristinas have a sequel in the works, “Return of the Barely There Bear.”

Tamara Jacobi’s “Lake George Journey: An Alphabet Adventure” is not your usual ABC book. Jacobi describes it as “multi-generational.” All ages will enjoy the beautiful illustrations, which were contributed by seven local artists. Each letter of the alphabet is told in a different voice, each a member of Jacobi’s family with ages ranging from 3 to 85 years old. “Fun Facts” on each page provide information about the flora, fauna, and geography of the lake, along with descriptions of the work environmental organizations are doing to preserve the lake and its watershed. Part of the proceeds of “Lake George Journey” benefit these organizations. A free PDF version is available online.

Paula Putney is a new author, originally from Warrensburg and currently living in Queensbury. Her first book, “Frankie’s Adventures,” is a wild romp through a child’s imagination. Putney says she was inspired to write children’s books by watching her grandchildren and other children she’s cared for at play. Her second book, “Frankie meets Carlie the Caboose,” is scheduled for release this fall.

Dave Globerson is a Glens Falls artist who turned his talents towards illustrating “Cooper’s Campervan Adventures: Montana,” written by Bridget Farry. Water colored paintings fill the pages in the story about a puppy’s adventures traveling through Big Sky Country. Globerson explained that, because children’s books are subject to multiple edits, he could not paint each illustration by hand. However, he was able to create his works digitally by inputting his brushstrokes, paper texture and other factors of his style into a computer program. The result is a children’s book filled with rich, textured artwork.

Francis Murray says he started writing stories when he was a child but moved away from writing when he got older. He still enjoyed telling stories, and when his daughter suggested he write down his stories, he picked up his pen. His book, “The Ugliest Pumpkin,” tells the story of a boy who was late getting to pick a pumpkin for the school pumpkin competition, and only the “ugly” ones were left. The story’s theme is that even the ugliest thing, a pumpkin or other, can become beautiful. His newest work is “Willow’s Christmas Prayer.”