Book notes: 'Wicked Bugs' author at Botanic Garden
Ÿ “Heads You Lose” authors Lisa Lutz and David Hayward discuss and sign copies of their mystery book at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, at Women and Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 769-9299.
Ÿ Author Jeanne M. Dams signs copies of her book “A Dark & Stormy Night” at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243.
Ÿ Amy Stewart presents a lecture on her latest book, “Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army & Other Diabolical Insects,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the Alsdorf Auditorium at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. A book signing will follow. The cost for the program is $10 for garden members; $12 for nonmembers. Parking is $20 per car. To register, call the garden at (847) 835-8261 or visit chicagobotanic.org/school/symposia. Stewart will also be on hand to read from and sign “Wicked Bugs” at 7 p.m. Monday, April 25, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Call (630) 355-2665 or visit andersonsbookshop.com.
Ÿ Children's book author Helen Frost will present a program on her books and the writing process from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. The free program is for children in grades four through eight and their parents. Frost will also discuss her experiences living in Alaska, where she taught in a one-teacher school. Youngsters are invited to bring their own Frost books to the event for the author's signature. For information, call (847) 827-5551 or visit dppl.org.
Ÿ Waukegan native Kelly Simmons returns to her hometown to discuss, read from and sign copies of her newest book, “The Bird House,” at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Free general admission, plus free hors de oeuvres and wine. Books will be available for purchase. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com.
Ÿ Ben Hatke reads from and signs copies of “Zita, the Spacegirl,” his new book for middle readers, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.
Ÿ Meet “The Invisible Bridge” author Julie Orringer as she discusses and signs copies of her book at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.
Ÿ Exercise physiologist and best-selling author Bob Greene discusses and signs copies of his book “20 Years Younger: Look Younger, Feel Younger, Be Younger!” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Barnes and Noble at Old Orchard, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 676-2230.