Kirby Larson's book launch

Fetch a friend and come to Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park on Sunday, September 15! At 5:30 p.m., you can help Kirby Larson celebrate the launch of her latest book, Duke, a WWII story about a boy who loans his beloved dog to Uncle Sam. You'll learn about Dogs for Defense, which recruited thousands of family pets; hear a short reading; and enjoy doggy-themed refreshments and swag.

But wait! There's more.

Third Place Books is generously donating 10 percent of the evening's book sales to Reading with Rover, a nonprofit organization that encourages struggling readers by pairing them up with a patient, four-legged listener. And you'll be able to meet a real Reading with Rover team! Contact Kirby for more info or to RSVP (not necessary but appreciated).

Kirby Larson joins Highlights Foundation Whole Novel faculty

Here's a wonderful opportunity for children's fiction writers, as announced by Kirby Larson:

With the push toward Common Core Standards, historical fiction may be the next "hot trend." 

Or maybe not. 

But if you have a passion for the genre, please consider attending the Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop, with a focus on historical fiction. Faculty includes editor Tamra Tuller (a spring conference faculty member), of Chronicle Books; acquiring agent Linda Pratt of Wernick and Pratt; Tracy Barrett (whose books about Sherlock Holmes' great-grandkids made a recent Best Mysteries for Kids' list); and Kirby Larson, who is just publishing her fifth novel of historical fiction. Teaching assistants include Augusta Scattergood (Glory Be) and nonfiction writer Nancy Castaldo.

The setting is lovely, the food divine, and the week's workshop provides lots of time for one-on-one with a mentor for your novel. 

What are you waiting for? Sign up!