"Poopendous!" Author in Ossining

Kids from Ossining and the surrounding area will learn all about the types of and uses for poop on October 13 at Teatown. The new picture book "Poopendous," from Author Artie Bennett, introduces young children to prolific poop producers, from cats to wombats and bats. Children will also learn how poop is used for various things throughout the world.

"Poopendous" is Bennett's second children's book. Patch asked the Brooklyn author how he got the idea for his second title.

"My first picture book, 'The Butt Book,' was out and it was a runaway sensation. But now it was time for my second act. I didn't want to be a Johnny One Note," said Bennett. "I toyed with many ideas for my follow-up, but one day, when the word “poopendous” popped into my head, I knew not only what I would be writing about, but I had a great title to boot. And after all, what more fertile topic could there be for one’s “number two” picture book than poop? And the vast appeal of poo should never be pooh-poohed."

Bennett's book is chocked full of pictures created by illustrator Mike Moran. Bennett says Moran's illustrations show a plethora of animals doing their less than solemn "doody." Such a memorable book is resonating with children and parents. Bennett says that he is amazed by the feedback that he had received so far.

"I was reading my super fun picture books at Sunnyside's Celebrate Children's Book Day. Sometime after my reading, an adorable little blond-haired girl shyly approached me, with her mother in tow. Little Samantha, only three-years-old, began to recite 'Poopendous!' said Bennett. "'Poop is yucky, poop is foul. Step in poop and you will howl. To read this book, you must be strong. Just hold your nose and come along!' Apparently, she and her mom had picked up a copy this summer in the Hamptons, and little Samantha was so taken by it that she had memorized it. I was deeply moved and thanked her profusely for sharing it with me."

Bennett and his wife, Leah, say they call the bowels of Brooklyn home. That's where Bennett says he spends his time hunting for a parking space and plotting revenge against his neighbors. But it wasn't always that way. Growing up in New York City, Bennett loved reading Dr. Seuss.

"My dad worked construction, but at night, when the lights were out, he was a writer, though, sadly, he was never published. He wrote a little of everything—poetry, short stories, novels. I'm sure I inherited his itch to write. I loved reading as a child and devoured Dr. Seuss's entire canon. I've even dedicated "Poopendous!" to the good doctor, though I tweaked it: 'To Dr. Seuss, my meuss.' And the fact that reviewers have compared me favorably to Dr. Seuss fills me with bottomless happiness."

The author, with two books under his belt, says he has some advice for youngsters who are looking to put their ideas on paper.

"I would tell young people to follow their muse. If they have an idea or an inspiration, follow through. Put pencil to paper—or digit to keyboard. And don't be afraid to share what you've written with close friends or family. Also, I'd urge young people to read, read, read. Who knows? You could be the next Artie Bennett."

Patch asked Bennett why he decided to come all the way up from The Land Down Under (Brooklyn) and visit Ossining's Teatown.

"I've never been to Teatown and I've always wanted to come. As a nature lover, Teatown has been on my radar for many years. I checked Teatown's website and saw that they had gobs of child-friendly, nature-related events and I thought, 'It's time to come to Teatown!' I was thrilled to pieces when Teatown agreed."

Artie Bennett will be at Teatown on Saturday, October 13, at both 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for two special events at Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562. You can also call 914-762-2890 or go to the website, www.teatown.org.