Literary Calendar

Jack London and “The Call of the Wild” - What was the inspiration behind this book and Jack London’s life in the Yukon? Donna Campbell, associate professor of English at Washington State University, will present information on this classic American novel, talk about where London got his ideas, show pictures and answer questions about the book or London’s life. Campbell is on the advisory board of the Jack London Society and has published several works on Jack London. Today, 2 p.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., Cheney. Free. (509) 893-8280.

Author Cindy Hval - Launch party and reading of “War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation.” Hval has gathered the stories of soldiers and their loves at home, concluding with lessons, photographs, and love songs of the era. Today, 3:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“Who Pooped in the Forest Near My Library?”- Spokane County libraries will help kids in kindergarten through fifth grade learn about wild animals, plants and habitats. Kelly Clark of Exploring Families will read “Who Pooped in the Northwoods?” written by Gary D. Robson. Learn more about identifying animals by what they leave behind. Monday, 3:30 p.m., Deer Park Library, 208 S. Forest Ave., Deer Park, (509) 893-8300; Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake, (509) 893-8330; Wednesday, 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., (509) 893-8400; Saturday, 10 a.m., Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St., Fairfield, (509) 893-8320. Free.

Learn to Comic Workshop II - Most comics feature human beings, and even if an artist chooses to distort these figures, having a basic understanding of anatomy helps you to better draw and create comics. This class will cover tricks on how to handle anatomy and perspective. This workshop is designed for ages 14-18; registration required. Tuesday, 5-6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Book Discussions: “The Call of the Wild” - Read the book and gather with fellow book lovers for discussion. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Service Station, 9315 N. Nevada St., (509) 466-1696; 7 p.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., Cheney, (509) 893-8280; Wednesday, noon, Deer Park Library, 208 S. Forest Ave., Deer Park, (509) 893-8300; Thursday, 2 p.m., Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St., (509) 893-8340. Free.

In the Writer’s Studio with Jess Walter - In honor of Whitworth’s 125th anniversary, Walter has been named the Spring 2015 writer-in-residence. His books have been National Book Award finalists, New York Times best-sellers and winners of the PNBA Book Award. Walter will present some of his readings followed by a discussion led by Thomas Caraway, senior lecturer in Whitworth’s English department. The conversation will touch on Walter’s relationship to Spokane and what inspires and motivates him as a writer. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Whitworth University, Weyerhaeuser Hall, Robinson Teaching Theatre, 300 W. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 777-3253.

Author David Armstrong - Reading, discussion and signing with the winner of the 2013 Leapfrog Fiction Contest. “Going Anywhere” is an emotional collection of short stories about the dark reality and the fantastical leaps of faith people make to survive. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Poet Tod Marshall - The Spokane-based poet will read from his latest poetry collection, “Bugle.” Tuesday, 7 p.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. Free. (208) 882-2669.

“It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones” Storytime and Craft - Mrs. Jolly Bones has a way of making any chore a lot more fun. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion of “The Dogs of Riga” by Henning Mankel. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Blurt! and Blather Open Mic - All ages open mic hosted by Davy Nguyen. This is a safe space for people to share their poetry about anything and everything that they want. Poems and poets will not be censored for content. Thursday, 6 p.m., Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main. Free. (303) 667-0087.

The Mystery and Thriller Book Club - Mike (M.A.) Lawson will join the discussion of “Rosarito Beach.” Thursday, 6 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author M.A. Lawson - Reading, discussion and signing of “Viking Bay,” the second book in a series about a government agent. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Mia Dalene Marcum-McCoy - Presentation and book signing of “Phenomenal Brain Power: From Brain Injury to Brain Awakening.” Donations accepted for Brain Injury summer camp for survivors and their families at the event. Friday, 6:30 p.m., St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, 711 S. Cowley St. Free. (425) 891-8483.

Author Anthony Clark - Reading, discussion and signing of “Heaven in Conflict: Franciscans and the Boxer Uprising in Shanxi.” Clark explores the early Catholic missionaries, the Franciscans, who settled in China, and the Boxer uprising that culminated in the violent Taiyuan Massacre of 1900. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“Marlene, Marlene Queen of Mean” Storytime and Craft - Do you know someone who is not very nice to others? Ever wonder why? See what becomes of Marlene and maybe get some pointers on being nice, too. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Jacob Keyes - The seventh-grade author is a sports enthusiast with a love of Gonzaga basketball. He produced a history of the Zags, a book for all ages with lots of color photographs. Saturday, 1-3 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Deby Fredericks - Book signing by the local fantasy author. Saturday, 2 p.m., Hastings Books - South, 2512 E. 29th Ave. Free. (509) 482-5288.

Author Brian Henning - Reading, discussion and signing of “Riders in the Storm: Ethics in the Age of Climate Change.” In his thought-provoking book, Henning nullifies doubts of climate change and encourages readers to make a knowledgeable decision about the world’s destiny. Saturday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.