The Discus Thrower Meets Peter Pan: A Story of the New York City Parks

A story of friendship and adventure for all ages, about two statues who come to life in New York City―perfect for anyone who loves Stuart Little or A Cricket in Times Square 

Inspired by the true story of the restoration of two beloved statues in the New York City parks 

“The Discus Thrower Meets Peter Pan is an invitation to dream.” ―Michael R. Bloomberg, 108th mayor of New York City

A fast-paced plot, and characters you’ll root for: Vandals have cruelly ripped Peter Pan from his perch in Charles Schurz Park and tossed him in the East River. Rescued by police divers, he finds himself awaiting restoration in a storage facility on Randall’s Island. There he meets another bronze statue―the Discus Thrower―who has been stuck there for a quarter century with a missing arm and discus. Can Peter Pan and Tinker Bell help the Discus Thrower get restored and placed back on his pedestal on Randall’s Island, at long last? 

A field trip idea: This whimsical fantasy story is based on the real-life restoration of the statue of Peter Pan (1928) in Carl Schurz Park and the Discus Thrower (1924) in Randall’s Island Park. After you read the book, you can go see these iconic New York City public artworks in person. 

Values we all can share: At first the earnest and hardworking Discus Thrower and the free-spirited Peter Pan think they have little in common. But the two manage to overcome their differences, learn from each other, and work as a team. This is a book that will remind you of the power and possibilities of friendship.

Pinky Keehner, a devoted New Yorker, served as Vice President of Randall’s Island Park for twenty years, working to create a state-of-the-art sports facility for NYC kids. When she found the life-size bronze Discus Thrower in storage, it became her mission to restore the statue and return it to its rightful place in the park for all to enjoy.

Cathy Oerter’s love for everything discus began with her husband, four-time Olympic gold medalist discus thrower Al Oerter, and today she chairs the Al Oerter Foundation/Art of the Olympians. An international track and field athlete and art major, she encourages children to use their voices through the arts.