This holiday season, the Grand Cayman community of Camana Bay is collaborating with Books & Books and the Cayman Islands Cystic Fibrosis Trust in sponsoring the second annual Children’s Book Festival. On November 28-29, families can partake in a variety of complimentary literary events, headlined by the ultimate fashion diva, Fancy Nancy, the popular children’s series created by New York Times best selling author Jane O’ Conner. Families interested in attending this fanciful gala can take advantage of the various hotel packages offered by Camana Bay’s partner hotels.

The storybook festivities begin on Saturday November 28 when O’ Conner will be joined by award-winning illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser to read from their new book “Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas.” They will also be accompanied by a collection of international and local authors, who will incorporate the Cayman’s diverse cultural heritage in their storytelling. Traditional Caymanian “Gimisotry” performers will tell ancient folklores that have been passed down from generation to generation.

This notable line-up also includes Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, the renowned author of the popular children’s books, “You can’t take a Balloon in the Metropolitan Museum.”

Amid diverse storytelling venues, kids can take advantage of the many available activities and crafts outdoors. During the month of November, the Gardenia Court will feature a different movie every Tuesday ranging from the widely acclaimed “High School Musical” to the timeless classic "E.T." Every Wednesday, The Paseo, the town’s pedestrian-friendly main street, will offer their weekly music feature, “Pan on Paseo,” which will bring the distinctive rhythms of the Caribbean to the curious ears of your kids. While relaxing to the sounds of the Cayman’s talented bands, you and your youthful listeners can enjoy a refreshing smoothie from the Café Del Sol or indulge in a savory Haagen-Dazs ice cream cone.

For younger tots, other activities include a colossal sandlot, interactive games such as “Simon Says,” sidewalk chalking, and for your miniature princesses, an exclusive crown-making workshop, guaranteed to make any girl feel like royalty. Drumming classes and traditional kite making classes will also be available for creative youngsters to dabble in.

On Sunday November 29, the festivities relocate to the Dart Family Park in George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands, where the Cystic Fibrosis Bedtime Story Fun Day will take place from 2pm-5pm. Not only will Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser and Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman be back with more readings from their books, but kids can win an array of prizes and hundreds of dollars worth of books by competing in games such as Splat Attack, an entertaining paintball exclusive and Bash the Rat, a game that involves an imitation rat and a rounders baseball bat.

If your child opts for a less interactive contest, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will host an art competition to draw the next Cystic Fibrosis Trust Christmas card. Other events include a bouncy castle, puppet shows and a barbecue that will keep the entire family fed and entertained all afternoon. Packages available for families visiting Grand Cayman for the Camana Bay Children's Book Festival follow; to book please call your travel agent or visit the resort's website.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Reconnect Package, starting at $349/N, has no minimum booking requirements and provides a $100 credit to any of the resorts five restaurants for you and your family to enjoy a tasty Thanksgiving feast. This package is available now through December 18, 2010.

The Caribbean Club Thanksgiving Seven Mile Beach Getaway package, offers 3/N accommodation in a Deluxe two-bedroom suite for up to two adults and two children under 15-years-old. It also includes Thanksgiving Dinner for two adults and two children at the world class Italian Ristorante Luca. This award winning eatery, combines impeccable service with a relaxed ambiance. The entire 3N package is $1,620. If you and your family would like to stay the entire week, from November 23-29, The Caribbean Club has a three-bedroom, Tower Ocean front room available large enough to accommodate up to 6 guests. Rates start at $610/N. Amenities in the 2,500-square-foot villa include a fully equipped gourmet kitchen stocked with your favorite foods, and an oversized Jacuzzi.

The Sunshine Suites Thanksgiving Sunshine Getaway Package offers 3/N accommodation in a Deluxe Room for up to two adults and two children under
15-years-old. This package also includes a deluxe Thanksgiving dinner for the entire family, daily continental breakfast and wireless internet access for $638 for 3N, only $213/N.

Children are not the only ones who will enjoy a weekend at Camana Bay. As the premier destination on island for families, Camana Bay's new $400 million waterfront Town Centre provides ample entertainment for all ages through a variety of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and year-round music events.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Peace of Mind package is valid through December 19,2009 and starts at $399/N. This package offers daily breakfast for two, Internet, local calls, parking and up to three complimentary nights. If you stay 3 Nights you can receive a 33% savings or stay five nights and receive a 40& savings.  

To learn more about Camana Bay and Camana Bay's Children's Festival please visit www.camanabay.com.