Creepy? Loathsome? Pestiferous? Just plain scary? How do authors come up with their Voldemorts and Wicked Witches of the West, anyway? Join San Francisco author M.E. Breen as she reads from her new novel, Darkwood, talks about some of the different strategies writers use to make their villains come to life on the page, and leads children in creating a villain of their own. This activity is best for kids ages 10 and up, but all are welcome.  

M.E. Breen grew up in Berkeley surrounded by books, animals, and blackberry bushes. Her first novel,Darkwood, received a star review from Kirkus and was a Junior Library Guild selection. She has taught creative writing at Stanford and Yale University, where she received a BA and MA in English literature, as well as at San Francisco non-profits Walden House and Mission Language and Vocational School. She lives by the ocean with a dog named Truckstop and two cats: one small with brown stripes, the other the approximate size, shape, and alacrity of a pumpkin.

To read reviews or find out more about M.E., visit her website http://www.mebreen.com/reviews/

Deborah's new book, The Quiet Book is just the sweetest thing we've ever seen!  It's number 2 on the New York Times bestseller list right now!  Join us for a reading and book signing and a "quiet" activity.

 Recommended for ages 3+ 

There are many kinds of quiet--from first one awake quiet to top of the roller coaster quiet. Quiet can be peaceful, ominous, or exhilarating. Renata Liwska's adorable animals perfectly capture the variety of quiets.

The idea for this book came to Deborah when she was waiting for a classical guitar concert to start. She noticed the expectant silence right before the guitarist started playing, and that made her think of other quiets. And yes, "before the concert starts quiet" made it into the book!

About the author: 

Deborah grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. When she was little, she wanted to be an astronomer. Then she wanted to be a singer. Then she wanted to be a writer. Today her jobs are writing and singing.  Two out of three's not bad! When she's not writing, you might find her singing in a chamber choir, walking around in Golden Gate Park, or baking vegan cookies.

Join us for a fun filled hour with Gianna's new book One Too Many.  We'll count and find the animals through out this adorable picture book and maybe sing our ABC's while we take a look at Zoopa, An Animal Alphabet!  Book signing to follow.

 Recommended for ages 2-5 

One flea, plus two cows, plus three horses. . .how many animals can you count?

In this boisterous barnyard, the fun grows with each turn of the page! Follow the shimmering path and count each bounce along the way to find which new animal has arrived on the scene. Take the challenge further by counting all the animals on the page, or hunting for your favorite. From one jumping flea to twelve swooping bats, this frisky hodgepodge is sure to have the whole herd pouring over the pages for hours. And a surprise ending reveals which animal is just one too many!

About the Author/Illustrator:

Gianna Marino has been creating art since she could hold a brush. Her varied talents have lead her through toy design, mural painting and children's books. From fine art grand-scale custom paintings to playful and entertaining children's book illustrations, there is a world of color and magic in Gianna's paintings.

Parenting Tips— for Dads and Moms

By: Joanne Stern, PhD

Author of: "Parenting Is a Contact Sport: 8 Ways to Stay Connected to Your Kids for Life"

Dads and Moms, your children are digital kids growing up in a digital world. It's time to get off the sidelines and jump into the game because parenting is a contact sport. That means your kids need YOU more than ever before:

·       To support them through fierce peer pressure

·       To affirm them in the midst of bullying and cyberbullying

·       To guide them through the maze of appropriate and safe use of technology

·       To help them make good choices about drugs, alcohol and sex

·       To teach them healthy values that will help grow up to be emotionally and socially balanced young adults

In this 30 minute talk, Dr Joanne Stern will explain some of the issues your kids face and the unique things only you can do as their dad or mom. She will show you how your involvement in your kids' lives builds a strong relationship that will benefit them, will help your marriage and will even improve your skills at work.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to create a connection with your kids that will last a lifetime. It's the greatest gift you can give them.

All Ages. 
Sing along to your favorite songs and listen to great new stories.