The Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley Presents: Book Fest 2023: Be Bold! Be Brave! Be You! 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 available for purchase from SPM Empanadas, BC Hots, and Kool Treats Ice Cream.

Print version of the poster (PDF)

Featuring authors Matthew McElligott, Kevin Coolidge, and Charde Vera

Featured Performers Walk Around Magic with Richard Hughson, Mr. Jeff, and Brian Moore

Community participants NYSAF / Yoga, United Way Imagination Library, Bookmobile, EOP, Books to Grow On, Therapy Dogs, CIDS, Community Arts of Elmira, Tanglewood, Horseheads Family Resource Center, River Friends, Girl Scouts, STEM Academy, ССС, Wings of Eagles SPCA, Chemung County Historical Society, Elmira YWCA, Elmira Teacher's Association, Elmira Family Resource Center, Elmira College TEACH, and Elmira Downtown Development.

Matthew McElligott is the author and illustrator of 18 books for children including Do Not Eat the Game!, the Mad Scientist Academy series, the Benjamin Franklinstein series, Even Aliens Need Snacks, Even Monsters Need Haircuts, and The Lion’s Share. His books have been published around the world in many languages. He is also the co-creator of the musicals Backbeard The Pirate and Benjamin Franklinstein, based on his stories. When not writing and illustrating, Matt is a professor at Russell Sage College, where he has taught for twenty-five years.

Matt McElligott’s website: mattmcelligott.com

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’s Website: kevincoolidge.org

Charde Vera is a certified life coach, author, US Navy veteran, loving wife, and mother who has been passionate about writing and journaling from a very young age. As a budding and publishing author, Charde has written a journal titled, "I Am" and co-authored a transformational book called "Radical Woman.”

Following on the success of her book, "She is," Charde's latest book, "He Is," is also coillustrated by her daughter, Nayomi, a children's poetry affirmation book that encourages children to trust love and believe in themselves. She captures her young readers' minds with an artistic writing style that is simple, easily understandable, and with a smooth flow. Through her books, Charde provides children with a platform to enable them to express their feelings and get out of their comfort zone.

She believes that words are important and that how we speak into and over our lives sets the foundation for our future. Charde remind people that they are worthy and valuable. Her soft spot for children has seen her create awareness by nurturing the minds of young adults through her words and feeding them with positivity that will go a long way to transform and inspire their lives.

When she is not working on her next literary works, Charde enjoys spending time with her family, reading, vlogging, and traveling with her family.

Charde Vera Website: chardevera.com

SCHEDULE - See below overview of performers

10:15 - Mr. Jeff Music and Storytime

11:00 - Author Matt McElligott

1:00 - Kid Tunes with Brian Moore

Featured Performers

Walk Around Magic with Richard Hughson

Richard Hughson has been entertaining audiences of all ages for over thirty years. Yes, he started with Dad jokes for his kids – but he got better. Trained in mime, magic, martial arts, hospital clowning, and physical comedy he has been an actor, director, storyteller, and growing out his naturally white beard he portrays a renowned seasonal character.

As a founding member of Flower City Vaudeville, and Easily Amused, he has performed in fairs, festivals, schools, and libraries across western New York and northern Pennsylvania, including the Rochester Fringe Fest. He brings along a wealth of experience in getting people to enjoy their time with him.

Richard Hughson’s website: loopyrichard.com

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.

Mr. Jeff’s website: jsmtalent.com

Brian Moore has been playing guitar since his days as a student at Booth Elementary School in Elmira. He currently performs throughout the area as a solo artist on Piano, Guitar, and Vocals featuring music from the 50's, through the 2000's. He can also be found with his show band, Larry B & The Rock Docs. 

Brian spends his days as a 1:1 Aide at Fassett Elementary where he performs Friday concerts in classrooms, at school assemblies and at after school events to the delight of students and staff alike.

Brian’s musical home includes his wife Melissa, a professional musician and band teacher at Ernie Davis Academy, and their 6 year old twins,  The Moore house is filled with music, dancing, and laughter.  After years of attending Book Fest as a family, Melissa and the kids are excited to see Brian make his solo musical debut at the event!