Author to visit Schaumburg Library

Children's author and illustrator Patricia Polacco will visit the Schaumburg Township District Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Rasmussen room, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. There is no fee and all ages are welcome to attend and hear the author discuss her books and the writing process.

Polacco has published numerous books for kids, including last year's "The Lemonade Club" and "Ginger and Petunia." In August, her book "For the Love of Autumn" hit bookstores, to be followed in November by "Someone for Mr. Sussman." Several of her books will be available for purchase and autographing after her presentation. Polacco's books are primarily geared to the 4-8 and 9-12 age groups.

Her newest release, "For the Love of Autumn" features Miss Parks, who loves her new home, her new teaching job and all her new students. But most of all, she loves Autumn, her perfect little kitten. One night, during a terrible storm, Autumn runs away. Miss Parks' students band together to search for Autumn, but cannot find her. Hope is lost until Autumn turns up at Miss Parks' front door with a brand new collar and a bandage on her tail.

The Lemonade Club features best friends Traci and Marilyn, who have learned from their fifth grade teacher that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. This lesson takes on a new twist when Traci discovers that Marilyn has leukemia and faces a tough rode of chemotherapy treatments. A sad topic becomes an inspiration as the whole fifth grade class supports their sick classmate and learns to celebrate life.

Polacco has received numerous awards for her children's books and her Website includes ideas for teachers as well as fun activities and videos for children. See www.patriciapolacco.com.