Mr. Eric describes himself as "a guitar strumming, book writing, harmonica blowing, song singing, five time national award winning, folksy fun type guy." He's best known as the author of "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shows," a children's picture book that this spring hit the New York Times bestsellers' list.
Most of the time, however, Mr. Eric (also known as Eric Litwin) is a professional storyteller and musician who focuses his efforts on children — but seems to capture the rapt attention of adults wherever he goes.
Mr. Eric is co-creator of The Learning Groove (www.thelearninggroove.com) which creates parent and child music classes. His two children’s CDs — “Smile at Your Neighbor with Mr. Eric” and “The Big Silly with Mr. Eric” — have won five national awards. After spotting Pete the Cat paintings by local artist James Dean at the Seen Gallery in Oakdale. Dean, who happens to be a former Fall Fest artist, got together with Litwin, who came up with the “I Love My White Shoes” story.
To get an idea of the frenzy that greets Mr. Eric during his performances, check out this YouTube video.
Mr. Eric provides takes the stage at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, at Candler Park Fall Fest, an event that highlights a plethora of kid-friendly events at the festival. On Saturday, there will be trick-or-treating throughout the festival noon until 2 p.m., followed by a performance of the pre-teen band My Homework Ate My Dog and a costume contest. And all weekend the Kids’ Village will featuring all kinds of free activities for children.
Candler Park Movie Nights are FREE and take place in Candler Park at dusk. Movie night is produced by Friends of Candler Park and funded by CPNO.