BYOB: Bring Your Own Bears

Yesterday I visited the famous children's bookstore The Blue Bunny Books and Toys in Dedham, Massachusetts for a Teddy Bear Storytime Party. The Blue Bunny is owned by Peter Reynolds, bestselling author-illustrator of THE DOT and illustrator of the Judy Moody series. His charming shop is every bit as magical as you might have heard. 

I had the pleasure of reading and dancing along with author and friend Anika Denise, who also wrote a story about bears. I read my picture book, The Coziest Place, and Anika read her adorable new book, Baking Day at Grandma's. Children brought their own bears, made a teddy bear craft, and snacked on teddy treats. 
 

Here are some photos of our big day. Thank you, Margie and Cheryl, for being such warm and welcoming hosts!

You can't miss the big blue bunny outside the shop! 

Reading books about bears is serious business.

Anika's teddy, Eddy, and my forlorn bear, Bear.

Pretending it's a cold, winter day and reading THE COZIEST PLACE, illustrated by Jon Davis.

Marching to Grandma's house. (From the BAKING DAY AT GRANDMA'S song.)

Dance party with the littles!

Hey, look! It's the dot from THE DOT by Peter Reynolds! "Make your mark."

Thank you, The Blue Bunny, for a beary fun time! (Sorry. Couldn't help myself.)