​Amanda Palmer—author, performance artist, and fabulous supporter of the New York Public Library—devoted some serious time and patience to help promote children's literacy on August 20.

Brandishing a red ukulele and decked out in full body paint, Palmer posed as a statue (in the style of Damien Hirst’s Verity) on the front steps outside our 42^nd Street Library. Onlookers and fans donated hundreds of children’s books, and Palmer’s husband, author Neil Gaiman, capped off the event by donating one of his own.

The donated books soon will be sent to branches throughout the system, where they will then be given away to young NYPL patrons to support their education and early literacy.

We couldn’t let her go without sneaking in a question about reading, of course, so we asked Palmer and Gaiman to name their favorite children’s books.

Here’s what they said…

Amanda's favorite children's books:

Neil's favorite children’s books:

Our thanks to Amanda Palmer and all those who helped put together this event in celebration of reading. Because of your generous support, children across the City will discover the joy of books!

For more information about early literacy programs and resources, visit ABC Read with Me.