Who: Cokie Roberts
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 3rd, 2014 4:30 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Fans of New York Times bestselling author and celebrated journalist Cokie Roberts will love her stunning nonfiction picture book based on her acclaimed work for adults, Founding Mothers, which highlights the female patriots of the American Revolution.
Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Diane Goode, Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies ($17.99) reveals the incredible accomplishments of the women who orchestrated the American Revolution behind the scenes. Roberts traces the stories of heroic, patriotic women such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, and others. Details are gleaned from their letters, private journals, lists, and ledgers. The bravery of these women's courageous acts contributed to the founding of America and spurred the founding fathers to make this a country that "remembered the ladies."

Cokie Roberts is a political commentator for ABC News and a senior news analyst for National Public Radio. From 1996 to 2002, she and Sam Donaldson co-anchored the weekly ABC interview program, This Week. She is the bestselling author of We Are Our Mothers' Daughters, Ladies of Liberty, and Founding Mothers. 

Bring your kids for a great taste of history- and great tasting cookies. Remember, March is Women's History Month!"
More: http://bookpassage.com/event/cokie-roberts-cookies-cokie

Who: Elisa Kleven
Where: Diesel
Marin Country Mart
2419 Larkspur Landing Circle
When: March 7th, 2014 6:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Diesel, A Bookstore in Larkspur welcomes Elisa Kleven to the store as our guest bedtime book author on Friday, March 7th at 6pm.Pull on your PJs and bring your teddy bear to the bookstore! Author Elisa Kleven will be here to read you a bedtime story. Get cozy in front of the fireplace, listen to a story or two, have some milk and cookies and get your books signed. Then head home for bed.

Elisa Kleven is the author and/or illustrator of more than 30 picture books for children. Known for creating magical worlds peopled with endearing characters and visually stunning multimedia illustrations, Elisa's books have been recognized by the American Library Association, The New York Times, The Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal, and The American Institute of Graphic Arts. Elisa lives near San Francisco with her husband Paul and her children, Mia and Ben, along with various cats and dogs."

More: http://www.dieselbookstore.com/event/larkspur-kids-pajama-party-elisa-kleven

Who: Laura Overdeck
Where: Diesel
Marin Country Mart
2419 Larkspur Landing Circle
When: March 14th, 2014 6:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Diesel, A Bookstore in Larkspur invites kids to a Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry Party at the store on Friday, March 14th at 6pm.

Bedtime stories are one thing, but ever heard of bedtime math? We think there’s no reason math shouldn’t be as fun and enjoyable as a good book. So grab you’re PJs and come down to the store because we’re having a party! This time, we’ll be exploring the wonderful world of geometry, learning and building crazy shapes out of glow sticks and Styrofoam balls. Then we’ll turn out the lights and watch the whole thing light up!

Bedtime Math 2: This Time It's Personal is Laura Overdeck’s follow-up to her bestselling book, Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late. The mischief-making math problems are all about you and your life, from missing socks to glitter to favorite pets to how fast you can run.
This event is great for kids ages 3-9.  "

More: http://www.dieselbookstore.com/event/larkspur-glow-dark-geometry-party

Who: Chris Columbus
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 21st, 2014 10:00 AM
What: (from the site's description)
"The sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel, House of Secrets--hailed by J. K. Rowling as "a breakneck, jam-packed roller coaster of an adventure"--this second installment by Hollywood director Chris Columbus and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) is full of even more explosive twists and turns.
Since the siblings' last adventure, life in the Walker household is much improved--the family is rich and the Wind Witch is banished. But no Walker will be safe until she is found, and summoning her to San Francisco brings all the danger that comes with her and puts the Walkers in the crosshairs of a mysterious journey through Denver Kristoff's books. As the Walkers travel from ancient Rome to World War II to Tibet, they'll be tested in ways that cut deeper than before, by Denver Kristoff, the Wind Witch, and each other, in House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts ($17.99).

Chris Columbus has written, directed, and produced some of the most successful box-office hits in Hollywood history. He first made his name by writing several original scripts produced by Steven Spielberg, including the back-to-back hits Gremlins and The Goonies. As a director, Columbus has been at the helm of such iconic projects as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Home Alone, Stepmom,and Mrs. Doubtfire. As a producer, Columbus was also behind the hit films Night at the Museum and The Help."

More: http://bookpassage.com/event/chris-columbus-house-secrets-0

Who: Phil Bildner, LeYuen Pham, & Kevin Lewis
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 21st, 2014 7:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Phil Bildner presents The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and Apartheid in South Africa ($16.99). He is joined by illustrator LeYuen Pham and author/editor Kevin Lewis. The three of them will discuss children’s books from the respective positions of author, illustrator, and editor, as well as sharing some truly wonderful books."

More: http://bookpassage.com/event/childrens-author-trio-phil-bildner-leyuen-pham-kevin-lewis

Who: Brandon Mull & Chad Morris
Where: Copperfields Books San Rafael
850 4th Street
San Rafael, CA
When: March 27th, 2014 4:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Meet and greet with two great authors and check out two brand new series!  Adventure awaits in the Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders.  Come and claim it in this start to a new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyondersseries.In Inventor's Secret Abby and Derick are accepted to prestigious Cragbridge Hall. due to the inventions of their grandfather. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues that will reveal a dangerous secret."

More: http://copperfieldsbooks.com/event/brandon-mull-chad-morris

Who: Curtis Jobling, Gennifer Choldenko, Alexander London, & Jacqueline West
Where: Copperfields Books Petaluma
140 Kentucky St.
Petaluma, CA
When: March 27th, 2014 4:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Meet and Greet with four great authors!  Curtis Jobling (Wereworld series), Gennifer Choldenko (Al Capone series), Alexander London (Dog Tags series), and Jacqueline West (Books of Elsewhere series) will be on hand to sign and chat about their latest additions."

More: http://copperfieldsbooks.com/event/endangered-authors-tour

Who: Katherine Longshore
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 28th, 2014 6:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Manor of Secrets ($17.99) is set in 19th-century England and follows two young women with vastly different lives. When their paths intertwine, the two girls find themselves enmeshed in secrets that will change their lives. Katherine Longshore is the author of Gilt, Tarnish, and Brazen, a series of novels set in the court of Henry VIII. The event will feature proper English tea. Please feel free to come in costume! "

More: http://bookpassage.com/event/katherine-longshore-manor-secrets

Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate talked to the 5th and 6th grade on Wednesday.  We were excited to hear about his books, his experiences on Broadway, and his advice for a successful career.

Students were eager to share their dreams with Tim and he noticed that MCDS students are not afraid to dream big!  We had future fashion designers, sports stars, authors, actors, and entrepreneurs.  Tim also acknowledged the students who haven't quite made up their mind yet.  He then let us in on a secret he learned when he first decided to be an author: it's okay to change your dream!

Tim asked students to share their writing difficulties with the group.  We had a lot of brave students who listed everything from learning differences to adding the right amount of detail.  Tim shared his own writing difficulties as well and reminded students that a rough draft can always be polished and not to be afraid to start over.  We also had a lot of students that were confident writers.  They shared the ideas behind books they're working on right now!

Tim asked everyone to share their natural talents.  There was a wide range of responses from gymnastics to engineering.  He reminded us that without hard work natural talent can only take you so far.  If you have a natural talent you should actually work twice as hard to make sure that you're the best you can be.  

Tim read a passage from Better Nate Than Ever about auditioning.  He shared his own experiences both as someone auditioning for a role and as a choreographer watching young dancers audition.  He shared the three things that make you stand out on Broadway: perseverance, optimism, and being supportive of others.  He suggested that students practice in suboptimal conditions.  He reminded us that it takes a lot of no's to get to a yes.  Finally, he told us a story illustrating the importance of being kind to everyone you meet.

Some students had more questions to ask Tim after the assembly was over.  We all enjoyed his visit and engaging, interactive presentation.  We'll remember Tim's message to work hard, persevere, and be kind.