16 September  

Maira Kalman is the author of an even dozen children’s books, yet she does not have a dozen children. How odd. Her new book, Smarypants (Pete in School) is a great way to start the school year. Maira’s work has received many accolades, including Booklist Editor’s Choice and Publisher’s Weekly Best Book. She lives in New York City.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Third. 

23 September 

One this season’s great novels for young people is Christopher Paolini’s Eragon. An epic fantasy, Christopher’s debut is all the more remarkable because he is only nineteen years old. That’s right, nineteen! An absolute must read. Christopher grew up in Montana.

Format: Reading, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Fourth – Sixth. 

24 September 

Thacher Hurd is the award-winning author-illustrator of Mama Don’t Allow and Mystery on the Docks, both of which are Reading Rainbow feature selections. A more recent book, Art Dog, was a Rakestraw Book of the Year. His new book, Moo Cow Ka-Boom is a zany ride to Planet 246 and back. He lives in Berkeley.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Second. 

Todd’s colorful illustrations and friendly stories are huge favorites with young children. His books relate important ideas and concepts while building confidence and self-esteem. His new book, Otto Goes to the Beach, is about making friends even when you don’t expect to. He lives in Berkeley.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Kindergarten. 

9 October 

Everybody has a job to do, and so does the letter Z. But when the workday’s done, Z Goes Home. Jon Agee’s new picture book is as whimsical and charming an introduction to the alphabet as I have seen. Jon’s work has received many honors including Publisher’s Weekly Best Book. He lives in San Francisco.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Second. 

17 October 

A regular visitor to Rakestraw Books, Bob is always a favorite with children and teachers alike. Bob’s colorful new title Parade Day: Marching Through the Calendar Year is a great introduction to all sorts of holidays and occasions. What fun! Bob lives in San Francisco.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Kindergarten and First. 

Megan McDonald

21 October    NEW DATE!

Megan McDonald’s character Judy Moody is rapidly becoming one of the most beloved contemporary children’s book characters. Funny, smart and spunky, she is a wonderful role model for girls and boys alike. And Megan’s presentations are a treat – it’s easy to see who was the original Judy Moody! Megan lives in the Russian River Valley.

Format: Talk, Q&A, Signing.
Grade: Third. 

23 October 

Eric Rohmann is a painter, printmaker and fine bookmaker whose work both explores and generates the excitement of an imagination unleashed. During his visit, he will be presenting Pumpkinhead, his first new book since winning the Caldecott Medal for My Friend Rabbit. He lives in Wisconsin.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Kindergarten – Second. 

30 October 

From the award-winning and best-selling author Celia Rees comes a powerful, thrilling, and ultimately inspiring journey of two women who break the bonds of gender, race, and position to find their own way to glory. Pirates! is a great read. Celia lives in England.

Format: Reading/Talk, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Sixth – Eighth. 

31 October 

In the midst of a season full of great fantasy novels, Jonathan Stroud’s The Amulet of Samarkand stands out. Richly inventive, vibrantly funny and brilliantly written, it is the worthiest follow-up to Harry Potter that I have read this year. Just marvelous stuff. Jonathan lives in London.

Format: Reading/Talk, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Fourth – Sixth. 

5 November 

Ashley Wolff’s Miss Bindergarten stories have helped thousands of children adjust to the joys of kindergarten. In her latest, Miss Bindergarten Plans a Circus with Kindergarten, she throws a show. What a blast! Ashley lives in San Francisco.

Format: Reading, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: Kindergarten. 

12 November 

In the slightly musty world of “I Can Read” books, Denys Cazet’s Minnie and Moo have come as a breath of fresh air. Lively, silly, and very funny, beginning readers love these two crazy cows. During his first visit to Rakestraw Books in a couple years, Denys will be presenting Minnie and Moo The Night of the Living Bed. He lives in the Russian River Valley.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Second. 

13 November

Robert San Souci is one of tbe most popular and prolific authros for children working today. His many books – often marvelous retellings of traditional stories – have become contemporary classics. During his annual visit to Rakestraw, Bob will be presenting several books, new and old. He lives in San Francisco.

Format: Talk, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Third. 

14 November 

Danville author Susan Elya’s humorous and lively picture books introduce simple Spanish vocabulary in the context of accessible and funny stories. Her new book, Oh No, Gotta Go!, is one of the season’s most successful read-alouds. We are thrilled that Susan is visiting Rakestraw Books.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Second. 

Daniel San Souci’s books have been favorites here at Rakestraw Books for more than twenty years. Working in tandem with his writer brother, Robert, Dan has created such beloved tales as Two Bear Cubs: A Miwok Tale and Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella. Dan lives in Oakland.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Second. 

19 November 

John Clapp’s paintings are some of the most beautiful children’s illustrations being created today. John's luminous paintings add a breathtaking dimension to Shining, a powerful tale about the importance of remaining true to one's self and finding one's voice by Newbery Honor author Julius Lester. John lives in Pleasanton.

Format: Talk, Drawing, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First – Third. 

20 November 

Sarah Wilson is a Danville treasure. Her children’s books are creative, whimsical, and unusual ones that children seem to respond to intuitively. Her new book, A Day on the River is a gem for younger kids.

Format: Reading, Q&A, Signing.
Grades: First and Second.