D23 Expo: Disney Storytelling Event opens the 3-day event with David Arquette and Dave Barry

A special event this Friday, August 19, at the D23 Expo in the Anaheim Convention Center celebrates the power of imagination and the magic of Disney storytelling. Disney will donate $500,000 and 8 million Disney Publishing Worldwide books to First Book, a national nonprofit organization that provides new books to children in need. Disney’s enduring commitment to kids, families and communities will be front and center at the event, as Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Junior highlight the emotional connection that generations of kids and families have to Disney’s iconic stories and beloved characters.

The event features Disney Publishing Worldwide authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson reading excerpts from their new book, The Bridge to Never Land. The duo will be joined by David Arquette and Corey Burton from Disney Junior’s No. 1 series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” The Never Land Pirate Band will also perform.

“We are pleased that our donation will help millions of kids and families discover the wonder of reading and explore Disney’s unparalleled storytelling legacy,” said Bob Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed more than 85 million new books to children from low-income families in thousands of communities throughout the United States and Canada. First Book now distributes an average of more than 25,000 books per day. Disney Publishing Worldwide has worked with First Book since 1999, helping to get books into the hands of kids and their families. Last year First Book distributed a total of 7.5 million books; the donation of 8 million Disney books-including titles for the youngest readers up through teen series-will help First Book double this number. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have fueled the imaginations of countless readers with their series of Starcatchers books, all prequels to Peter Pan. The Bridge to Never Land, their most recent collaboration, which hit stores August 9, takes readers on a new, contemporary quest involving Peter, Wendy and the Starcatchers. Helping to bring the story to life at Friday’s event will be David Arquette, who voices the role of Skully the lookout parrot on Disney Junior’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” and Corey Burton, the voice of Captain Hook. As part of its ongoing commitment to kids and families, Disney Junior is collaborating with Radio Disney to help with upcoming First Book distribution events in communities around the country.

D23 Expo guests are invited to take part in a fantastic journey into the Disney Story Vault, be captivated by the latest re-imagining of Peter Pan’s adventures, and celebrate this special donation with First Book President Kyle Zimmer. Audience members will receive a free book to help bring home the magic of Disney storytelling.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.