STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Barnes & Noble in the Staten Island Mall, New Springville, was the setting Sunday for the signing of a new children’s book, “Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue," written by Jeanne LaSala Taylor and illustrated by Ana Sebastian.

As a special surprise, the firefighter mentioned in the book, Capt. Anthony Matteo, made a guest appearance at the event, to the delight of the dozens of families in attendance.

“This book was written as a thank you to the brave men and women of the FDNY,” explained Taylor before reading her book. “It’s a thank you to all the firefighters across the country who put their lives on the line for the safety of others and the protection of their homes, churches, offices, and cherished belonging."

Members of the Fire Safety Education Unit were on-hand, handing out FDNY kid-friendly literature and interactive toys, teaching them about fire safety.

The South Shore YMCA hosted the event, which was part of the Barnes & Noble Bookfair program. As part of the program, when a customer mentioned the YMCA or Bookfair, a portion of the proceeds from the book’s sale were donated to support the South Shore YMCA’s educational programs.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. Founded by firefighters in 1975, the foundation is dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention, education, and the proper treatment of burns.