At just 7 years old, Tony Santo Mack turned a favorite stuffed animal into the beginning of a literary career. Now a teenager, Mack is preparing to share the story behind his beloved Santo & Sheepy series with New York families at the Un Sancocho a HOPE Carnival on Aug. 29.
The free community event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Quisqueya Plaza on Dyckman Street in Manhattan. The celebration will bring together families for a day of literacy, culture, health, music, art and community activities, with Mack and his mother and co-author, award-winning author Luz Maria Mack, among the featured guests.
Mack’s journey began when he was a young child creating stories based on the adventures of his stuffed sheep. What started as imaginative play eventually developed into the Santo & Sheepy universe, which has grown into a five-book series, an online game and an animated series streaming on KweliTV.
The stories center on childhood experiences and emotions, encouraging young readers to use their imaginations while navigating everyday challenges. Mack’s early start as an author also offers an example of how children’s creativity can develop into meaningful artistic expression when they have support and encouragement.
At the carnival, families will have an opportunity to hear Mack read from the series, meet the young author and his mother, and have books signed. The event will also feature live music, art workshops, giveaways and other family-friendly activities.
For Luz Maria Mack, helping her son develop his ideas has been part of watching a childhood pastime evolve into a larger creative project. Together, the mother-and-son writing team have helped expand Tony’s original stories into a multimedia franchise reaching children beyond the printed page.
The Un Sancocho a HOPE Carnival is designed as a community gathering celebrating culture, literacy, health and hope. Its location at Quisqueya Plaza makes it accessible to families from across New York City.
Event Details
Un Sancocho a HOPE Carnival
Saturday, August 29, 2026
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Quisqueya Plaza
238–224 Dyckman Street, between Broadway and Seaman Avenue
New York, NY 10034
For families interested in children’s literature and youth creativity, the appearance offers a chance to meet an author whose writing career began with the simple act of turning a child’s imagination into a story.
The event is free and open to the public. Families can also learn more about the Santo & Sheepy series and meet Tony and Luz during the celebration.