R.J. Palacio, the author of Wonder, and bestselling storyteller Adam Gidwitz headline a free day that also includes a live taping of his podcast Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest. Between readings, kids can watch illustrators battle in a Clash of the Creators draw-off, play an Are You Smarter than an Author? game show and fold, paint and bind their own books. If you have a reader at home, this is the most author-packed free morning for kids in the city this fall.
What to expect
Programs run on stages and in rooms across Borough Hall and the surrounding plaza, with workshops in origami, painting, bookmaking and illustration running alongside author talks. There is also a fantasy role-play quest called Authors & Escapades, and signings follow many of the sessions.
Good to know
- Every Children's Day event is free; no ticket needed.
- Borough Hall station (2, 3, 4, 5) and Court St (R) exit right at the plaza.
- Bring a favorite book from home if you want it signed, or buy one on site.
- Popular sessions fill quickly, so pick your must-see author and arrive early for that slot.
- The main Brooklyn Book Festival day with adult programming takes over the same plaza the following day.
- The festival recommends the free Bloomberg Connects app for the full schedule.
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Common questions
Is Children's Day free?
Yes, all Children's Day programs are free and open to the public.
Which authors are appearing?
The 2026 lineup includes R.J. Palacio, Bess Kalb, Mahogany L. Browne, Jorge Aguirre and Adam Gidwitz, among others.
Where exactly is it?
At Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
