Bookish Bedlam and Broomsticks

Maybe there won't actually be broomsticks at most of these events, but there will certainly be the best brand of bedlam: we have SO many wonderful events coming up, you may just want to camp out here!

I hope you've heard already, but if not, this Sunday August 23rd, Sir John Hargrave will demonstrate some of his highest order pranks from his Mischief Maker's Manual. Class will start at 1 pm.

All of Harvard Square's bookshops will be participating in the second annual Bookish Ball September 12th, where "travelers" will visit each store's specific book-loving events and get stamps on their "passports to wisdom." Travelers can enter their passports into a contest to win airline tickets or a shopping spree in Harvard Square. Curious George's guests will include local authors such as:

• Matt Tavares, the author and illustrator of baseball books Zachary's Ball and Oliver's Game; and illustrator of the new picture book The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup, Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport, Jack and the Beanstalk by E. Nesbit
• Jo Knowles, author of Lessons from a Dead Girl and the brand-new Jumping Off Swings
• Steve Kluger, author of My Most Excellent Year and Last Days of Summer, and professed Red Sox fan

We will also have musician Charlie Hope playing two acoustic sets, one to kick off the event and another later in the afternoon. In my humble opinion, her Train Song has the best vocal imitation of a train, hands down.

In addition to great music and these talented authors reading, signing books, and leading activities, we will also have on-going activities led by our own staff. Our book-binder staffer, Anne, will demonstrate the basics of making a book. A few other staff members are deciding on what their special activities will be, so expect some fun surprises!

Later on this fall, we are hosting a Graveyard Book themed Halloween Party! On Friday, October 30th we will extend store hours for a creepy ghosty Gaiman celebration. There will be activities, treats, and a parade. Costumes are encouraged! We'll send in pictures of the event to HarperCollins to win a visit from Neil Gaiman! (Squee! says Katie.)

We are currently planning an event for November, as well, with new-on-the-scene author/illustrator Alex Beard. The date and specifics will be announced shortly.

Thanks to you, we've won Nickelodeon and GoCityKids' Parents' Pick for Best Boston Bookstore! We're so proud and thrilled! Thank you so much! We promise to continue to bring you the best quality books and toys, as well as the up-coming and popular children's book folks you want to see!