Local authors to sign at Hastings
Two regional authors will be signing books at Hastings on Saturday.
• Coeur d’Alene author Cora Cole will be at the Veradale Hastings, 15312 E. Sprague Ave., from 2 to 6 p.m. to sign copies of her book “The Adventures of Angel Skylet and Clarence Cloudy.”
The children’s book tells the story of Angel and Clarence, who met on a cotton candy cloud. As they fly through the sky, they see a homeless family. Determined to help, they try to influence the Johnson children to make a difference.
• Carmen Peone of Inchelium, Wash., will be at the Shadle Park Hastings, 1704 W. Wellesley Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m.
“Change of Heart” is a novel about hardship, grief and hope as 13-year-old Spupaleena learns to find strength in herself and God.
Auntie’s shuffles readings
The past weekend’s winter storm wreaked a little havoc with the author event schedule at Auntie’s Bookstore.
A reading by Sarah Jio was rescheduled to 2 p.m. March 24 at the Auntie’s mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. Events with Miles Athey and Kelly Milner Halls will be rescheduled. Check back for details.
Happy birthday, Charlie
Tinman Gallery in north Spokane is hosting a series of events celebrating the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens.
An essay contest, with categories for high school students and those older than 18, asks writers to ponder the question, “What character should have appeared in a Dickens novel, but didn’t?” Winners will receive $50 and a Tinman gift certificate; honorable mentions will win a gift certificate. Entries of 500 words or less are due to the gallery, 811 Garland Ave., no later than Feb. 15.
Other events include a “Happy 200th Birthday Charlie” gathering at 7 p.m. Feb. 7. Eastern Washington University professor Beth Torgerson will discuss Dickens’ life and writings. Birthday cake and tea will be served. On Feb. 11, storyteller and actor Rebecca Cook will dramatize “A Boy Called Dickens,” by authors Deborah Hopkinson and John Hendrix. This event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Both programs will be at the gallery.
On Feb. 29, the gallery will sponsor a Leap Day celebration, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Blue Door Theater, 815 W. Garland Ave. Essay contest winners will be invited to read their entries and winning character sketches will be performed by members of the Blue Door troupe.
Newbery, Caldecott awards
Jack Gantos’ “Dead End in Norvelt” has won the John Newbery Medal for the best children’s book of 2011. Chris Raschka’s “A Ball for Daisy” won the Randolph Caldecott award for best illustrated story.
The prizes were announced Monday by the American Library Association.
Gantos’ novel follows the improbable adventures of a boy, grounded from a family vacation, but restored by the stories he learns about his hometown. Raschka’s picture book recounts the saga of a dog whose favorite toy is destroyed.