The 1960s come alive this week as Peter Yarrow of the popular folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary performs at Milwaukee’s Jewish Community Center (JCC) to share the message of his newest children’s book, Day Is Done. This illustrated version of Yarrow’s song of the same name is a perfect story to draw families together at the end of the day. Celebrated singer-songwriter Yarrow gained renown as an author following the 2007 release of his book and CD, Puff, the Magic Dragon, which became a Publishers Weekly No. 1 best seller. His newest tale celebrates the kinship of all living creatures and the special bond between a parent and child. Symbiosis among animals, Earth and family weaves throughout this story filled with beautiful prose and stunning artistic work by Melissa Sweet.

Yarrow’s career has spanned more than four decades, and what began with timeless tunes recently expanded to the written word. Peter, Paul, and Mary influenced millions of Americans in the turbulent ’60s and the children’s books Yarrow now composes continue to bring folk music to new audiences. Yarrow created animated TV specials based on Puff, the Magic Dragon and the Peter Yarrow Songbook, a collection of American folk music for children. His work has offered a way for families to reconnect through words and music.

Outside of his artistic talents, Yarrow has devoted himself to issues of social justice. He is active in Operation Respect, an organization that promotes anti-bullying awareness in schools and camps. This commitment to teaching tolerance and respect to children is just another example of Yarrow carrying on the 1960s dream of peace and love.

Peter Yarrow will appear at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center on Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. This event is part of the Jewish Book & Culture Fair of the JCC.