Author events: Alan Cumming discusses his new book in Chicago Dec. 2

• Laura Quinn signs copies of her book "Punk Charming" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Chicago Pop Culture Con at the Pheasant Run Mega Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. One-day admission is $10; free for kids 12 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. zurkopromotions.com.

• Meet author Sophie Hannah as she signs copies of her book "Closed Casket: A New Hercule Poirot Mystery" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Meet three local children's book authors at the Lake County Author Showcase at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake. The authors, Lori Degman ("Norbert's Big Dream," "Cock-a-Doodle Oops!" and others), Tina P. Schwartz (the "Reel It In" series and others) and Steven Vaitonis, aka Papa V, ("Vanished!" and others), will discuss and read from their works. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Children welcome. Light refreshments served. Free. rlalibrary.org.

• "The Secret Game" author Scott Ellsworth discusses his new book at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.org.

• Actor and New York Times best-selling author Alan Cumming discusses his newest book, "You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams: My Life in Stories and Pictures," at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at The Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago. Tickets cost $40. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, and Cumming will be available to sign copies. For ticket info, call Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville at (630) 355-2665 or see andersonsbookshop.com.

• Three local authors will sign copies of their books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at The Christian Shop, 2001 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Joan Wester Anderson signs copies of the 25th anniversary edition of her best-selling "Where Angels Walk." The book has been updated with new stories. Shane Cloonan will sign "Journey to the Cross," and Micki Green signs "Broken and Made Whole." Refreshments will be served. To have a book signed, guests must purchase the book from The Christian Shop. (847) 991-8994 or thechristianshopltd.com.

• Author Steven Vaitonis, who writes under the name of Papa V, will sign copies of his newest children's book, "Vanished!," from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at This Old Book, 138 Center St., Grayslake. (847) 548-6951 or thisoldbook.com.