Authors: Meet Kwame Alexander, Andrew McCarthy this week

• Author Kwame Alexander signs copies of his newest book, "Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures," at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. "Steve the Sloth," a real sloth, will make an appearance at the event. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in La Grange. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Kelly Flanagan signs copies of his book "Loveable: Embracing What is Truest About You, So You Can Truly Embrace Your Life" at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 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.

• "Green Pants" author and illustrator Kenneth Kraegel signs copies of his latest children's picture book at 7 p.m. Monday, April 10, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. To reserve a place in the signing line, purchase "Green Pants" from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• "Point Guard" author Mike Lupica signs copies of his book at 7 p.m. Monday, April 10, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. For a place in the signing line, purchase a copy of the book from Anderson's in La Grange. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Lake Forest Academy's English department and the Lake Forest Book Store host "An Evening of Conversation" with authors Jane Hamilton ("The Book of Ruth," "The Excellent Lombards") and Gail Tsukiyama ("Women of the Silk," "The Samurai's Garden") with Patrick Finnessy, master chair in English, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in the Cressey Center for the Arts at Lake Forest Academy, 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest. A book-signing takes place from 8:15 to 8:45 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. lfanet.org.

• New York Times best-selling author Heather Maclean signs copies of her new novel for young adults, "Toward a Secret Sky," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 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.

• Actor, director and author Andrew McCarthy discusses his new book, "Just Fly Away," with author Betsy Bird ("Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever.") at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Tickets cost $19.60 and include a copy of "Just Fly Away." At the end of the program, the authors will sign copies of their works. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.

• Renee Rosen discusses her book "Windy City Blues" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Cook Park Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Register at (847) 362-2330 or webres.cooklib.org.

• Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Jennifer Weigel signs copies of her new title, "Psychics, Healers, & Mediums: A Journalist, a Road Trip and Voices From the Other Side," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in La Grange. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com. Weigel also discusses her book at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.

• Journalist and Emmy Award-winning producer ("60 Minutes") Chris Whipple discusses his new book, "The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency," at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. The dress code is business casual; no denim is allowed. For reservations, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880. Whipple will also be on hand to discuss his book at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park. (847) 432-0216 or hplibrary.org.

• Meet the three finalists for the 2017 Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Project and hear the announcement about the winning author at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Gail Borden Public Library District, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Finalists are Daniel Rosenberg ("The Towers Still Stand"), Annie Hansen ("Take The Donut" and the "Kelly Clark Mystery Series") and Karen Bedore ("The Bard"). Open to the public. soontobefamous.info.

• Meet award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Brown will discuss his titles, including "The Curious Garden," "Children Make Terrible Pets," "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" and "The Wild Robot." Brown will also sign copies of his books. Register at (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.

• Scott Simon, host of National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition Saturday," signs copies of his book "My Cubs: A Love Story" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 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. Simon also will be on hand to discuss his book at noon Thursday, April 13, at the University Club, 76 E. Monroe St., Chicago. Dress code is business casual; no denim is permitted. For reservations, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880.

• "The Nest" author Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney signs copies of her novel at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 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.

• New York Times best-selling author Lisa Scottoline signs copies of her latest title, "One Perfect Lie," at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 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.