Gillian Miniter hosted a juice and cookies party at The Corner Bookstore at 93rd and Madison to celebrate Karen LeFrak and her new book Jake the Ballet Dog. There was a light rain but that did not stop oodles of moms, kids and even a few poodles from dropping by to greet the author and have her autograph their books. Many bought several, saying they were beginning their holiday shopping.
 
The book marks the return of Jake, the lovable, music-loving pooch introduced in Karen’s earlier book Jake the Philharmonic Dog.  This time he spins and leaps behind the scenes of the Nutcracker Ballet. While learning the basics of the dance, Jake has loads of fun. The delightful illustrations by Marcin Baranski capture the grace and excitement of this perennial favorite ballet, and Jake continues to charm readers as he introduces them to the arts.
 
It was heartwarming to see the children take to the books, scouring the shelves, just plopping down on the floor to read them or gathering in corner seats to read to each other. And not a Blackberry or computer game was in sight.
 
And here is the best part: 100% of the author’s proceeds will benefit American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet.