By Ernio Hernandez
25 Sep 2007

Julie Andrews
photo by Aubrey Reuben

Current Broadway Mary Poppins Ashley Brown and her screen counterpart, Julie Andrews Edwards, will both appear at "The Great Children's Read" Oct. 14 in New York City.

Target will present The New York Times' third annual free event, which will be held at Columbia University 10 AM-6 PM.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee star and Forbidden Broadway vet Jennifer Simard will join the two Poppins, Julie Andrews Edwards and Ashley Brown, for the event. Also scheduled are Mariska Hargitay, John Tartaglia ("Johnny & The Sprites"), "Sesame Street"'s Sonia Manzano, the band They Might Be Giants, New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn and Bay Street Theatre co-founder (and Andrews' daughter) Emma Walton.

"The Great Children's Read" is billed as a "celebration of reading featuring live entertainment for children and families," according to a release. Readings will feature works from a list of "New York's Top 20 All-Time Favorite Children's Books" chosen by children's librarians from the city's three public library systems.

Live musical entertainment will also be part of the day. Admission is free and open to the public. Columbia University is located in Manhattan at Broadway and 116th Street.

Broadway veteran Alan Alda (Glengarry Glen Ross, Art) will also take part that day in "The Great Literary Brunch," another New York Times event. He is among a group of authors (including Amy Bloom, Stephen L. Carter, Chris Matthews, Ann Patchett and Tom Perrotta) who will participate in discussions, a buffet brunch and book signings. That event is scheduled for 11 AM-2 PM at The TimesCenter (41st Street between 7th and 8th Ave.).

For more information visit NYTimes.com/GreatRead.