In brief: Theater Arts for Children presents ‘Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe’

SPOKANE VALLEY – Theater Arts for Children is presenting “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” with performances beginning Friday at the theater’s studio, 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3S.

The show about Lucy and her siblings’ adventures in Narnia runs 7 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 2 p.m. Dec. 22.

Tickets: $10; $8, students, seniors and military. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketswest.com or at the door.

Call: (509) 995-6718 or visit www.theaterartsfor children.org.

Author releases new ‘School Bus Kitty’ book

SPOKANE COUNTY – Local children’s author Katie Youngren has released “Itty Bitty School Bus Kitty: Christmas Story,” in bookstores.

The fifth installment of a series of books that follow Eve, a kitten who was found in 2010 at the Freeman bus barn where Youngren works as a bus driver. The kitten was cold, hungry and her family was nowhere to be found. Youngren and her fellow bus barn employees took her in and before long Eve had a home with Youngren and her family.

This installment includes a photo of Charlie Brown and Linus Christmas decorations, which Youngren learned she needed permission to use. Youngren did some research and reached Charles Schulz’s widow, Jean.

“She sent me an email and gave me permission to use it,” Youngren said. “I sent her a copy of the book and she was so sweet.”

Youngren and Eve will have a book signing event at Aunties Sunday at 3 p.m. SCRAPS will also be there and will have adoptable cats.

Look for the book at Auntie’s Bookstore, 808 W. Main Ave., or at Hastings in Spokane Valley, 15312 E. Sprague Ave., or you can order them online at ittybittyschoolbuskitty.com.

Hospice of Spokane hosting Memorial Tree

DOWNTOWN – Hospice of Spokane is hosting a Community Memorial Tree at River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.

People may hang a decorated paper dove on the tree in memory of a loved one who has died. The tree will be on the third floor of the mall Friday through Dec. 22.

Starting Saturday, volunteers will be there to assist with paper dove decoration Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The paper doves are free.

For information, call (509) 444-1058.