Riley The Retriever, And Her Master, Come To East Hampton Library's Children's Fair

Jill Mangel Weisfeld, author of “Riley the Retriever Wants a New Job,” a new children’s book based on the adventures of her own dog, Riley, who is a certified therapy dog trained by the Good Dog Foundation.

Riley visits schools, libraries and nursing homes in the New York area and on Sunday, August 11, from 2 to 5:30 p.m., she and her owner will be at the Children’s Fair at East Hampton Library. Ms. Weisfeld’s book shares the adventures of Riley as she searches for a job that is more meaningful than being a retriever. Riley begins her quest by searching “Doogle” to see if there is a profession that’s a better fit for her. The book’s colorful illustrations by Shirley Ng Benitez bring Riley’s personality to life.

Ms. Weisfeld wrote the book with her mother, Deborah Mangel, also a children’s book author, who passed away not long before the book’s publication. “I wanted to write a book that was both educational and enjoyable and to teach kids about working dogs,” says Ms. Weisfeld. “By visiting schools and nursing homes, Riley helps provide happiness and comfort to members of the community.”

Ms. Weisfeld and Riley have been participating in “Wag Your Tale! Read to a Dog” events in Westchester which help children learn to be independent readers. Ms. Weisfeld is currently art director for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and has done freelance graphic design for various nonprofit organizations. A former Senior Art Director at Bride’s Magazine and Art Director for Macy’s Advertising in New York, she is founder of Peek-a-Bear Press, a publishing company based in Scarsdale.

East Hampton Library is located at 19 Main Street, East Hampton. The Children’s Fair is free and will also feature carnival rides and games, a book fair and signing, a raffle, book-themed crafts, performers, and more. For details visit easthamptonlibrary.org.