HERE could not have been a better place for Gillian Miniter to host a juice and cookies party to celebrate Karen LeFrak’s new book Jake the Ballet Dog than The Corner Bookstore at 93rd and Madison in Manhattan. There was a light rain but that did not stop oodles of moms, kids and even a few poodles from stopping by to greet the author and have her autograph their copies. The children took the book off the shelves and plopped down on the floor or gathered on corner seats to read to each other or to themselves. Not a Blackberry or iPod in sight!
The Ballet Dog is the second book of the celebrated music and dog-loving author. The series began when Karen introduced Jake the Philharmonic Dog. Now, behind the scenes of The Nutcracker, Jake leaps and spins and has a ball learning the basics of dance. Marcin Baranski’s delightful illustrations capture the grace and excitement of the scenario.
Among the guests were Cynthia Lufkin, Susan Fales-Hill, Ellie and Alexandra Lebentha,; Michelle and Sophia Smith, Blair Husain, Jennifer, David, and Harry Ruff, Serena, Quint and Sylvester Miniter, Iffi Aitkenhead, Christine Cachot and Allegra Williams, Betsy Pitts, Alison and Spencer Brod, and Webb Egerton with Avery and Brooke Egerton-Warburton and their poodle Harrison.
All of the author’s proceeds will benefit American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet.
