Events
Weekend Storytime
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am
Join us every Saturday and Sunday for a weekend storytime and craft for your young ones!
No sign up is required.
Book Talk
Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa
Sunday September 27th 3:00pm
Join us and the author-illustrator of Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of Bakunawa, Kara Bodegón-Hikino, for a middle grade book talk! Kara will also be teaching everyone how to drawn their very own sidekicks!
After losing her father in an attack by the evil Tikbalang, Mage and her best friend, Squalo, set off an important quest far from home to honor her father’s last wish—find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea.
But Mage and Squalo don’t know where to find the Bakunawa. And the evil Tikbalang was only one underling of Ventrolio, the nightmare maker, who is hunting Mage at any cost. Mage and Squalo’s journey takes them all over Mundo, facing monsters and possessed minions of Ventrolio until they hear news of an angry bakunawa that would rather destroy ships and summon storms than help sailors. Why would Mage’s father send them to someone so dangerous? Can Mage and Squalo uncover the truth before the Bakunawa unleashes her wrath and plunges all of Mundo into chaos?
Story Bound: First Publication Celebration
Sunday September 27th 5:30pm
Join a seven-year-old Ellie Ozgun for a reading and Q&A with the illustrator, Brett Tunick followed by an illustration activity.
Original stories by children. Shaped into books.
Story Bound gives shape to the stories children carry with them. For Yaya’s Manti, Ellie Ozgun, age seven, brought the original story; Story Bound shaped it for the page; and illustrator Brett Tunick created the artwork.
At Words on Warren, Ellie will read the book, then she and Brett will talk about how the story and illustrations came together. Afterward, Brett will lead an illustration activity.
Children and grown-ups are welcome. Small Story Bound giveaways for the little humans. Space is limited; RSVP required.
As Ellie writes in her author note: “Kids always have a story wherever they go. It is almost as if they carry one with them.”
Please reserve a separate ticket for every child and grown-up attending.
Young Adult Book Launch
The Velvet Knife
Monday September 28th 6:00pm
Join author Maureen Johnson for the release of her new young adult book, The Velvet knife
Return to the world of Truly Devious as Stevie Bell and her friends travel to New York to solve a murder in the next standalone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson.
Stevie might be the greatest teenage detective Ellingham Academy and the world has ever seen, but even she can’t figure out what happened with her boyfriend, David. What she needs is a distraction: a good old-fashioned murder. Stevie is much happier dealing with dead people. They’re a lot less confusing—they don’t send cryptic texts and make out with other girls in British pubs.
But then Stevie gets exactly what she wanted when a dead body turns up in the middle of a Manhattan apartment complex, and this one is . . . complicated. Caught in a web of messy alive-people feelings, Stevie finds herself questioning all human connection. Is magnetism only manipulation? Can you trust anyone? Does anyone realize that they’re joining a cult—before it’s too late? And are things with David really over?
Maureen Johnson
Middle Grade Book Talk
Katie the Catsitter: Villain Con
Monday October 10th 3:00pm
Join author Colleen AF Venable and illustrator Stephanie Yue for a book talk about the newest book in the Katie the Catsitter series: Katie the Catsitter: Villain Con
Welcome to Villain Con! Is Katie the Catsitter actually a villain?!
Find out in this bestselling girl (and cat) power graphic novel series that’s perfect for fans of Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, and anyone who loves cats!
Sometimes the line between villain and hero can be hard to see.
Middle school is a roller coaster and lately Katie doesn’t know which way is up or down, who’s a hero…and who’s a villain. Even the people she cares about most keep surprising her. Are Katie’s best friends leaving her behind?! Katie just wants things to stay the same–but is she holding her friends…and herself back? Maybe it’s time for a change. Afterall, Madeline is running for mayor to try to change things in the city. Maybe Katie’s changing too. And maybe some of the things she thought she knew about villains–and about heroes–were wrong. Is Katie ready to move forward…even if means moving away from her friends?
Get ready for more friendship and fun, more drama and disguises (and cats, definitely more cats!) in Katie the Catsitter: Villain Con!
Guest Storytimes
Storytime
There’s a Dragon in the Well!
Terror takes over the town when a harmless dragon moves into the well in this humorous picture book about overcoming preconceived ideas born out of fear.
A fire-breathing dragon is discovered in the well, and the townsfolk are quick to panic. “A wicked, foul BEAST,” wails the local knitting club. “This MONSTER is relentless,” proclaims the clergyman. “Our poor town is CURSED,” goes up the sad lament.
But wait . . . is this dragon really as dangerous as they think?
Despite one child's& insistence that the dragon is harmless—based on her encyclopedic dragon knowledge—fear quickly turns into something even bigger and scarier than a fiery beast hidden in the dark: an angry mob! Will the villagers be able to quiet their yelling, put down their pitchforks, and conquer their fear in time to realize that sometimes a dragon in a well might turn out to be a gift rather than a curse?
Join in the fun of this lively tale, bursting with colorful illustrations and ticklish details, to discover the power of facts over freak-outs and the enriching value of compassionate understanding.
Join author-illustrator James Serafino as he reads his new book, There’s a Dragon in the Well!
Saturday September 19th 11:30 am
Storytime
Who Needs Donuts?
The cult classic kids book in all its resplendent absurdity and subversiveness
Sam’s love of donuts takes him to the Big City where he makes friends with Mr. Bikferd, a world class collector of donuts. But when Mr. Bikferd falls in love with Pretzel Annie, the prophecy of an old woman comes true: “Who needs donuts when you’ve got love?” Mr. Bikferd bequeaths his donut collection to Sam, who uses it to save the old woman from drowning in a basement flooded with coffee.
This is a reissue of Mark Alan Stamaty’s masterpiece of the absurd, first published 50 years ago. With an illustration style that mixes a benign Hieronymus Bosch with an urban Where’s Waldo?, Stamaty’s off-the-wall humor is on target for little kids and big kids today.
Join author-illustrator Alan Stamaty as he reads his newly rereleased book, Who Needs Donuts?
Sunday September 20th 11:30 am
Storytime
Fritz: A Mushroom Story
Join Fritz, an introverted chanterelle mushroom, and his friend Pip, an exuberant fly agaric mushroom, on a day of fun and adventure in this adorable picture book from the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller My Little Brave Girl!
Meet Fritz. He likes rose hip ice cream on warm days and cream of chestnut soup on cold ones. Sometimes, Fritz likes to play with lots of friends. Sometimes, he likes playing with his extroverted best friend Pip (who likes blackberry bramble ice cream on hot days and spicy nettle stew on cold ones). But most often, Fritz likes to spend time all by himself. Time to be quiet. Time to do lots of things or nothing at all.
One morning, Fritz decides to have a very Pip-like day, to see what it’s like being Pip. The day starts with an exciting morning of berryball, followed by a swim in the puddle pond — and then blowing bubbles in the violet patch!
But as the day goes on, Fritz starts getting more and more frazzled — it’s exhausting work being so social when you’re an introvert! How can Fritz get the quiet time he needs when there’s so much going on? Find out in this sweet new picture book by talented author-illustrator Kelsey Garrity-Riley.
Join author-illustrator Kelsey Garrity-Riley as she reads her book, Fritz: A Mushroom Story
Saturday September 26th 11:30 am
Storytime
A Day Off School
A hilarious picture book from the mind of #1 New York Times bestselling creator Oliver Jeffers, about what incredible things you might miss if you take the day off school . . .
A whole day off school! ALL TO HIMSELF!!
When Herbie has the sniffles, he stays home from school. It’s exciting to have time to play Space Blasters and watch cartoons. But by lunchtime, he wonders what fun he might be missing at school. What if there’s an extra playtime, a dog on the loose . . . or even A PIRATE INVASION?
A hilarious, action-packed story from globally bestselling picture book creator Oliver Jeffers and award-winning illustrator Kevin Waldron.
Join author Oliver Jeffers and Kevin Waldron as they reads their new book, A Day Off School!
Oliver and Kevin will be signing all purchased copies of A Day Off School. If you would like any of their other books signed/personalized, it is limited to one book per customer and they must be purchased from our store on the day of the event.
Saturday September 26th 2 pm
Oliver Jeffers
Kevin Waldron
Sunday September 27th 11:30 am
Storytime Double Feature!
Wake Up, Poppyville!
Explore the irresistible town of Poppyville, where midnight is morning, and a cheerfully quirky cast of characters that will have you giggling to no end!
“A beautiful dream of a book. For those children who wonder what goes on at night long after they’ve closed their eye.” –Raúl the Third, award-winning creator of the World of Vamos and New York Times bestselling illustrator
“Mind blowing.”–Matthew Forsythe, award-winning creator of Pokko and the Drum
Set in a fantastical world, two travelers arrive to Poppyville, a town where midnight is morning, milk is blueberry flavored, and the residents are wonderfully strange. It’s Busy Town meets Adventure Time in this hilarious and quirky picture book adventure brimming with oddball charm.
It’s the grand opening of Delilah’s toy shop and everyone has come, near and far, including two travelers who are in search of a dragonwagon. But what the travelers discover is that the journey is just as magical as the destintion.
With playful sensibility, unique art style of cut paper and limited palette, Wake Up, Poppyville!, will have readers eager to join this bustling community that only wakes up at night.
Sugar Glider Lights a Way
In this charming picture book, a determined flying forest creature looks for light and discovers the glow of its bioluminescent neighbors.
On reading nights, Sugar Glider always curls up under the moon. But tonight, Moon is nowhere to be found!
As they chase Moon through the trees and behind the clouds, it seems the forest is full of other bright things—just not the moonlight Sugar Glider loves...
Will Sugar Glider find a way to read their book tonight?
Filled with beautiful, twinkling illustrations this cozy picture book is a story about creative problem solving and finding a solution with the resources in front of you. Perfect for independent little ones and those curious about the forest's nightlife.
Join us and author-illustrators Vikki Chu and Maya Tatsukawa as they read their new books, Wake Up, Poppyville! and Sugar Glider Lights a Way
Vikki Chu
Maya Tatsukawa
Storytime
Maud and the Very Eventful Week
Follow an adorable little vampire named Maud through a week of ever-so-gently-spooky adventures in this charming story
Who would have known on Monday that the week ahead would be such a busy one? It all starts when Maud finds a teapot that is obviously haunted (and very hungry). EEEK! The days continue with Maud’s attempt to sell spiders (and juice) from a sidewalk stand; a mega-toothy discovery; a ghost family taking over the dollhouse; and a visit to Agnes the witch, who brews up a dynamite soup. Then comes Maud’s yard sale, which is a lot of work but a great success, rounding out a very full week. But wait, could that be a teapot coming around again, on Sunday? In this slightly gothic tour through the days of the week, the delight is in the details as illustrations portray Maud and her family and friends among the familiar objects and activities of childhood, with just enough of a quirky twist to please the young vampire lovers among us.
Join author-illustrator Lisa Anchin as she reads her book, Maud and the Very Eventful Week
Saturday October 3rd 11:30 am
Storytime
The Boredom Monster
In this humorous story about screen-free time, a child and a boredom monster celebrate the power of noticing.
Cameron is faced with a no-screens, very dreary, worst day ever. Oh, the misery! But wait ... maybe there's adventure to be found in boredom after all.
When his ordinary living room transforms into the land of Boredom, Cameron wanders into a bleak landscape where everything seems terribly tedious and drowsily dull. But then a mysterious, friendly monster appears and Cameron learns to celebrate the silence of a distraction-free world and finds his creative spark.
Co-created by Mariana Ellery and Clara Reschke, this fantastical picture book is perfect for inspiring imaginative play. Reschke's innovative mixed-media art combines photos of ordinary objects with illustrations, creating a world brimming with possibilities.
Join author Mariana Ellery as she reads her book, The Boredom Monster
Sunday October 4th 11:30 am
Storytime
Owl Capone
Owl Capone–he’s got a heart as big as his fedora and he is ready to steal hearts everywhere.
Owl knows the way into people’s hearts is through his legendary sandwich wraps and OG secret family sauce served at his restaurant in the Windy Forest. He’s practically considered a celebrity! But when he is unexpectedly betrayed by his right-hand man, a sneaky little rat named Gus, Owl is forced to close the doors to his restaurant.
Will Owl be able to win back his customers and reopen his once beloved restaurant?
With an affirming message that encourages readers to view kindness as a strength rather than a weakness, Owl Capone is sure to leave you hungry and wanting more!
Join author Christy Ewers as she reads her book, Owl Capone
Saturday October 10th 11:30 am
Storytime
I Heart Pickles
A pickle-shaped book of appreciation and silliness that looks good enough to read!
What do dill pickles, half sours, and cornichons have in common? They’re all in this humorous pickled-shaped board book with green edges from beloved author-illustrator Suzy Ultman! From sweet pickles to tiny gherkins, this book showcases a variety of pickles with whimsy and joy that will leave readers of all ages wanting more.
Join author-illustrator Suzy Ultman as she reads her book, I Heart Pickles
Sunday October 11th 11:30 am
Storytime
The Vicious Cycle
An incredibly moving picture book about a unicycle that is stuck in a rut and a young girl whose connection gives it the courage to change, from two award-winning creators.
This is the story of a unicycle.
A unicycle that goes around in a path of its own making.
A path that gets deeper and deeper as more time passes.
A path that becomes impossible to leave.
Until a new friend enters the circle, and little by little, introduces a new way out.
In this arresting allegorical story, Newbery Honor winner Kyle Lukoff tackles big ideas around trauma, emotion, and growth that everyone—no matter their age—can relate to. It is a profound book about the ruts we dig ourselves into, how trusted friends can show their support by helping us see outside ourselves, and how the choice to heal is ours alone.
Join author Kyle Lukoff as he reads his book, The Vicious Cycle
Saturday October 17th 11:30 am
Storytime
The Buddy System
A funny picture book about two very opposite kids who get lost in a museum, and the Buddy System that brings them together in an unexpected twist.
Every kid knows the Buddy System. That dreaded setup where your teacher pairs you up with someone else for a quick trip to the bathroom or a daylong field trip? If you’re lucky, you’ll get paired with a best friend. But what if you’re not so lucky?
That’s just what happens to our odd couple duo when they’re paired, nay, STUCK together on a class trip to the museum. But when an encounter with the very serious Assistant Museum Director goes awry, these two might discover there is some good to the Buddy System after all. . .
Join author-illustrator Sam Wedelich as she reads her book, The Buddy System
Saturday October 17th 2:30 pm
Storytime
Wide Load on the Road
From bestselling author/illustrator Stephen Savage comes a delightful picture book about a large truck doing an equally big job, perfect for fans of Little Blue Truck and Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site.
The wide load is longer, taller, and heavier than most loads. What is it? Where is it going?
Will the big red truck that’s carrying it make it across the intersection, through the tunnel, and up the mountain? Will it make it to its destination all in one piece?
Find out in this delightful picture book about a mammoth truck and its epic journey!
Bestselling creator Stephen Savage's Wide Load on the Road is a satisfying read from start to finish, perfect for little fans of BIG vehicles.
Join author Stephen Savage as he reads his book, The Vicious Cycle
Sunday October 18th 11:30 am
Storytime
Millie Fleur’s Worst Day Ever
Garden Glen was buzzing with excitement. It was time for the town's annual Butterbloom Fest! Everyone was ready for the most perfect day of the year.
Everyone except Millie Fleur La Fae. Instead of waking up bright-eyed and ready to take in everything the fair has to offer, Millie Fleur wakes up with a bad case of the morgenmuffels. Even worse, there's a humbug tangled in her hair!
Millie Fleur's day goes downhill from there. Even as she tries to make the best of things, her problems grow bigger and bigger. Will a little help from her friends be enough to turn this bad day around?
Join author-illustrator Christy Mandin as she reads her book, Millie Fleur’s Worst Day Ever
Sunday October 18th 2:30 pm
Storytime
We Are the Keystones
Meet keystone species—the hidden heroes of the natural world—and learn about the ecosystems they support in this “enchanting…engaging” (School Library Journal, starred review) nonfiction picture book from the author of Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals.
Keystone species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have a huge effect on the environments around them. From beavers to elephants, alligators to hummingbirds, keystones help themselves and other species survive. Whether it’s creating habitats for themselves and other animals, leaving behind leftovers that fertilize the soil, or clearing out harmful algae, keystones live up to their name in their essential contribution to the harmony of our natural world.
Join illustrator Hannah Salyer as she reads her book, We Are the Keystones
Saturday October 24th 11:30 am
Storytime
Welcome to Broadway
From the author of Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz, this musical picture book introduces children to the wonderful world of musical theater with 12 interactive sound buttons that play iconic Broadway show tunes performed by Tony Award winning-Broadway stars.
Embark on a dazzling adventure through New York City’s theater district, and the shows it’s famous for, in this illustrated introduction to Broadway musicals, for readers ages 4 and up. As you read, press the 12 interactive sound buttons that play iconic show tunes—including “For Good” from Wicked, “Tomorrow” from Annie, “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast, and so many more. You’ll hear the rhythmic steps of a tap dancer, a singer belting a solo, two infamous witches singing a duet, and a chorus performing a showstopping finale.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of Broadway and all the sensational elements of a Broadway show, from patter songs and ballads to costumes and choreography, with a trio of New York City pigeons as your tour guides. Here’s your ticket. Enjoy the show! (And don’t forget to sing along.)
Welcome to Broadway is the fourth title in music educator Carolyn Sloan’s successful Welcome to Music! picture book series that introduces classic musical genres to young readers.
Join author Carolyn Sloan as she reads her book, Welcome to Broadway