Local Authors Sign in Tarrytown

A small crowd gathered at Coffee Labs on Saturday night in honor of two Westchester authors' first book signing.

Patsy and Jerry Di Leo, who were introduced a few months back, published Gabriella and Her Bouquet of Friends, named for Jerry's daughter, on Lulu.com.

Family, friends and coffee lovers met the twin brothers and Gabriella as all three signed and sold copies of the children's book and a calendar with the book's illustrations.

"My book's over here!" Gabriella excitedly told atendees as they entered the coffee shop.

Colorful balloon centerpieces on the shop's tables and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere gave the event the feel of a joyful family reunion.

The brothers sat at a festively decorated table near the rear, which displayed copies of their first published book and calendar, as well as free bookmarks.

When fans came by for photos with the authors and Gabriella, she dutifully posed with flowers taken from a large bouquet on the table, representing the friends she makes in the book.

"I want rose!" she said, pointing at the pink and red roses sitting among the others, including daisies and tulips.

The brothers, who greeted guests with hugs and smiles all evening, said they were pleased with the turnout at the event, and estimated they had sold about 10 books an hour in.

Though both still hold day jobs, the duo's writing careers aren't showing any signs of slowing down.

A sheet displayed at the head table showed the cover art for the next two books in the Gabriella series, Gabriella Counts to Ten in Eight Languages and Pirate Gabriella Sails the Five Oceans.

According to Patsy, the books are written, and they are waiting on the illustrations. Gabriella Counts to Ten in Eight Languages will be illustrated by Silvina Maldonado, who also created the artwork for Gabriella and Her Bouquet of Friends. Richa Kinra, an illustrator based in India, will be doing the pictures for Pirate Gabriella Sails the Five Oceans before the books will be available at the Di Leos' Lulu.com storefront.

Both books will be educational for children, offering insight into different cultures and fun facts about the world's vast oceans.

Jerry and Patsy also plan to continue holding book signings to keep their momentum going.

"The next one is at [Jerry's] house," Patsy revealed.