Literature fans ages 4 to 8 are invited to join us for a special Story Time with illustrator Jim LaMarche while he reads from and signs copies of his latest book, Winter Is Coming on Saturday, January 24 at 11AM.

Witness the changing of a season through a watchful child's eyes in this story of nature and discovery from award-winning author Tony Johnston and New York Times Best Illustrated artist Jim La Marche, presented by Simon & Schuster.

 About the book: Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as animals prepare for the winter. As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins. 

Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children's books today. His many successful books include Rainbabies by Laura Kraus Melmed and Albert by Donna Jo Napoli, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; and Up and Raft, which he also wrote. Most recently he illustrated The Carpenter's Gift by David Rubel. Jim lives in Santa Cruz, California.

We are pleased to present a special event for the grownups out there: (perfect for Book Club, a date night, or a "girl's night out"): author Wendy Lesser with Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Books on Thursday, January 29 starting at 7:30 PM.

In this book from Farrar, Straus & Giroux, the reader will discover a definition of literature that is as broad as it is broad-minded. In addition to novels and stories, Lesser explores plays, poems, and essays along with mysteries, science fiction, and memoirs. 

A book in the spirit of E. M. Forster's Aspects of the Novel and Elizabeth Hardwick's A View of My Own, Why I Read is iconoclastic, conversational, and full of insight. It will delight those who are already avid readers as well as neophytes in search of sheer literary fun.

Just in time for Valentine's Day: Join us for Story Time with an author presenting her latest picture book, You Are My Heart. Please join Marianne Richmond on Saturday, February 7 at 11AM with your little ones (best for ages 3 and up).

From a beloved bestselling author whose books are quickly becoming classics, You Are My Heart is a sweet, inspiring book that beautifully showcases the emotions we all feel as parents, putting into words some of the magic aspects of the parent-child bond. 

Sure to become a new favorite of fans who adore Marianne Richmond's beloved artwork and insightful prose, this book returns to what Marianne does best, lovingly illustrating the complex emotions we all have.

Does your reader (age 8 and up) love The 39 Clues and Spirit Animals? Then you will want to be the first on the block with TombQuest: Book Of The Dead, a brand NEW series from Scholastic  for fans of books with mystery, adventure, dark intrigue, and online "extras."

A teaser for the book: An ancient evil has been unleashed. Long-dead mummies are awakening. New York City is overrun by menacing scorpions. And worst of all for Alex, his mom and the Lost Spells have both disappeared. He and his best friend, Ren, will do anything to find his mom and save the world, even if they have to go head-to-head with a Death Walker who has been plotting his revenge for 3,000 years. Some tombs were meant to stay closed . . .

We are pleased to present author Michael Northrop at Montclaire Elementary on February 10 and will have signed copies in the store after that date -- and regular copies will be available in the store next Tuesday, January 27.