Book notes: Gale Gand discusses cookbook at Ela Area library

Ÿ Executive pastry chef, TV personality and author Gale Gand discusses her latest cookbook, “Gale Gand's Brunch,” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Gand will also answer questions from the audience and will present a cooking demonstration (no tastings). “Gale Gand's Brunch” will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Registration is required as seating is limited. Call (847) 438-3433 or visit eapl.org. Guests can also sign up in person at the library's information desk.

Ÿ Emmy award-winning Chicago broadcaster and author Jennifer Weigel discusses and signs copies of her book “I'm Spiritual Dammit!” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.

Ÿ Sandra Dallas signs copies of her book “The Bride's House” at 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Barnes and Noble Oakbrook Center, 297 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. (630) 684-0586.

Ÿ Chicago writer Cheryl Bardoe reads from and signs copies of her new picture book, “The Ugly Duckling Dinosaur,” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Free toy dinosaurs will be given to attendees as long as supplies last. The event is recommended for ages 4-8. Free and open to the public. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.

Ÿ Denise Swanson discusses her new mystery, “Murder of a Bookstore Babe,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Books at Sunset, 1100 South St., Elgin. (847) 888-1860.

Ÿ Justin Cronin reads from and signs copies of the new paperback version of his best-selling novel, “The Passage,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

Ÿ Author Erik Larson discusses and signs copies of his book “ In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Barnes and Noble — Old Orchard, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 676-2230.

Ÿ Authors Natalie Y. Moore and Lance Williams sign copies of their book, “The Almighty Black P Stone Nation: The Rise, Fall and Resurgence of an American Gang,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the Chicago Public Library — Blackstone Branch, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago. The event is free and open to the public. (312) 747-0511.

Ÿ Young adult author Michael Scott reads from and signs copies of “The Warlock” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. The book is Scott's fifth title in his young adult fantasy series “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel.” (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.