Nicholas Jimenez, 6, stood on South Lawn, his eyes fixed on the green chair where Ugly Betty’s Mark Indelicato would soon be reading Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. The chaos of dozens of other children running around him did not divert his attention from the New York Times’ reading stage. He came with one mission in mind­—to hear celebrities read aloud from his favorite books.

“Nicholas is just beginning to learn how to read,” his father, Juan, said. “We came to this event because we really believe that hearing these famous people read such great books to these young kids will inspire them to read and enjoy it.”

Nicholas and Juan were among hundreds of young children and parents who came to the fourth annual New York Times Great Children’s Read on Sunday afternoon at Columbia. Intended to promote a love of reading at an early age, the event featured book readings, kid-oriented activities, and musical entertainment.

Tents adorned the parameters of South Lawn, where there were arts-and-crafts stations, a mini theater for puppet making, a reading area, and a bookstore.

On the New York Times’ reading stage, film, TV, and Broadway stars read selections from the Times’ Top 20 All-Time Favorite Children’s Books list. Children’s librarians from New York public libraries selected the list.

“Events like this show that strong desire to feel important,” said Gossip Girls actor Matthew Settle, who read I Stink! to a packed crowd. “These kids were climbing onto the stage where I was reading because they had this strong desire to connect. It’s important that we use books to foster this free energy and growth.”

Other acting luminaries included Legally Blonde: The Musical’s Bailey Hanks, Grease’s Derek Keeling, Wicked: The Musical’s Kendra Kassebaum, and New York Lottery draw host Yolanda Vega. They read from books such as Abuela, Black Cat, Little Toot, and Subway.

In addition to the New York Times’ reading stage, there was a Target children’s stage, which featured a number of other readings and short shows. There were performances by Grammy Award-winning artist and actor Common, Playhouse Disney’s Choo-Choo Soul, and They Might Be Giants, among others.

“I think this event provides an opportunity for so many people that they may not have everyday,” said Today Show co-host Hoda Kotb, who read Olivia. “I love this exposure that so many people are getting to these books today. Think about the impact that this could have on them.”

Some attendees took issue with the collection of celebrities invited to the event.

“I am very offended by the performers here,” librarian Judith McGowan said. “Here they are, beat boxing and rapping and talking nonsense to all these young kids. What are these kids supposed to think about something like this?”

But the majority of those on hand praised the event.

“We’ve been going to this event for years,” parent Lynn McCormick said. “This time around, it just seems better than ever.”

“It’s great seeing so many young people so interested in reading,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who read The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. “I think we have some future Columbia students in that crowd.”

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