There are two great new books about ladybugs that we just love, so what better better way to show them off than a special story time all about our favorite spotted insect friend? We’ll make ladybug antennae and wings to wear while we listen to the stories and enjoy other fun, creative activities. Free. Suggested for ages 3 to 8. Limited to ten kids. Please call, email, or come by to reserve a space ahead of time.

Brand New Ladybug Girl adventure: Ladybug Girl at the Beach, by David Soman and Jacky Davis. Lulu loves the beach. Well, she’s never been there before, but she knows she will love it. And then she sees the ocean and it is big and loud and rough. That’s okay-Lulu wanted to build sand castles and fly her kite with Bingo anyway. But while they are building their sand castle, the sneaky ocean comes in and tries to steal Lulu’s favorite pail. This is a job for Ladybug Girl!

What the Ladybug Heard, by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Lydia Monks. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan: they’ll sneak past all the animals and steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they forget all about the tiniest, quietest creature on the farm-the ladybug. She has a plan of her own.

Julia Donaldson (author of  The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and many other favorites) turns her literary expertise to a farm setting, and comes up with a rollicking barnyard mystery. Lydia Monks’ colorful collage illustrations go perfectly with the story for a winning combination. Readers will quack, neigh, moo, and cheer for the ladybug all the way through!

Wear your favorite fancy outfit to a special story time featuring the new holiday book Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas. We’ll be dressed up, too!

Free stories and holiday activities. Recommended for ages 3 to 93.

RSVP (That’s a fancy way of saying “Please let us know that you’re coming so we have enough stuff for everyone.”) Call us at 828-232-2228.

Author & illustrator Nick Bruel will be at Spellbound on Saturday, November 7 at 5pm to read and sign books! You probably know his nationally bestselling picture books Boing! and Bad Kitty.

His new book is Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, a heavily illustrated early chapter book. Nick will be in the Tarheel state to accept the 2009 North Carolina Picture Book of the Year award for Who Is Melvin Bubble? We’re thrilled to be hosting Nick for the second time at Spellbound. If the company he keeps tells you anything, in October Nick appeared with 5 real luminaries of the children’s book world at a group signing in New York’s largest bookstore for kids: LANE SMITH, MARK TEAGUE, ROBIE HARRIS, MAC BARNETT, and the Children’s Book Laureate himself JON SCIESZKA.
 
Best to have the kids in the door by 5:15 at the latest for a reading, though Nick will be here to talk with readers and sign books until 7:oopm.

 It’s Bad Kitty’s birthday, and you’re invited! Bad Kitty’s second illustrated novel is packed with deadpan humor, rich tidbits of cat information — and even some suspense! Who took Kitty’s presents? Why are Kitty’s friends so bizzare? Readers will laugh out loud at Kitty’s feline mood swings, and they’ll be touched by the heartwarming visit from a surprise guest. Follow-up to Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, now available in paperback.

Who is this kid with the funny name? Well, that depends on who you ask. Everybody who knows Melvin—his mom, his dad, his best friend Jimmy, his dog—even Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the big ugly monster with three eyes who lives in his closet have a different opinion.  This original and riotous picture book has a lot to say—not only about Melvin, but also about perspective, point of view, and a six-and-a-half-year-old’s place in the world.

Sunday, September 13 at 1:00pm

Book Making Workshop
Learn how to make four small handmade books from one paper grocery bag. Great idea for Grandparents Day gifts. Free, but please call ahead. All materials provided, but feel free to bring any favorite stickers or mementos for pasting into the books. Ages 5 and up.

Free cupcakes all day (while supplies last…)!

Stories about nature and the environment, with free activity led by our special guest, Alexandra from Greenworks.

Saturday, September 5 at 1:00pm *
Book Signing with Suzanne Kline and Cosmo the Dog
Cosmo is a trained therapy dog and the star of his very own picture book, The Case of the Whatever Blues. Written by Cosmo’s human, Suzanne Kline, and illustrated by Daryl Slaton, it’s the first in a planned series.

Free reading with signing to follow. 10% of proceeds go to Paws with a Purpose. Suggested for ages 4 to 9.

* Please note new date–rescheduled from Aug. 15

Saturday August 9 at 1:00pm
Abigail Yasgur Book Signing

Cousin of Max Yasgur, whose farm hosted Woodstock 40 years ago this summer, Abigail has written a picture book called Max Said Yes! to tell the story of how the festival came to be, and why it means so much to your parents and grandparents!

Reading followed by book signing and tie-dye activity. All ages welcome.

August 29th 2-3 pm

Susan Runholt, author of the popular Mystery of the Third Lucretia (newly available in paperback) presents a brand new adventure, Rescuing Seneca Crane, featuring teen sleuths Kari and Lucas. Reading with signing to follow. Both books suggested for ages 10 and up.

 
Rescuing Seneca Crane

When Kari and Lucas first see Seneca Crane up on stage, playing the piano in front of hundreds of people, they are in awe. She is beautiful. She is amazingly talented. And she is only thirteen! But then they get to know her at the Edinburgh Arts Festival and realize that she envies them. Soon the three are becoming friends –until Seneca disappears. There’s no stopping Kari and Lucas from jumping on the trail and tracking her down. Even when it leads to the heart of the Scottish highlands!

Following in the spine-tingling tracks of The Mystery of the Third Lucretia, Susan Runholt’s second book featuring super sleuths Kari and Lucas is just as smart and fast-paced as the first!

Special Story Time with Kristy Dempsey
Grandparents Day is Sept. 13. Kristy will share her new picture book celebrating grandparents & kids. Free reading & activities with book signing to follow.

Me With You

by Kristy Dempsey
illus by Christopher Denise

We’re a pair beyond compare,
a rare and special two,
in all the ways that I am me
and you’re completely you.

From tea time to game time, singing or swinging, in the good times and even the grumpy ones, a granddaughter knows her grandpa is always wonderfully himself, and she is wonderfully herself, and together they are unbeatable! A pair beyond compare, a rare and special two!

With simple rhymes and delightfully charming illustrations, Me with You is the perfect book to remind young readers how unique they and their grandparents truly are.