Wimpy Kid ice cream, big authors headed to Quail Ridge

Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh is gearing up for a busy fall with plans to bring in some big names in children's books.

But let's start with next week when the Wimpy Kid Ice Cream Truck will make its way to Quail Ridge at 5 p.m. Aug. 19. The hugely popular book series by Jeff Kinney has more than 35 million books in print in the United States and was turned into a popular film this year. A second film is set to be released in theaters in March 2011.

The next book in the series will come out in November. So the Wimpy Kid Ice Cream truck will have some frozen treats and special bookmarks for fans. And Quail Ridge will be taking pre-orders for the book. The truck is scheduled to be at Quail Ridge until 6:30 p.m.

And coming up this fall ...

Doreen Cronin, author of one of my favorites, "Click, Clack, Moo," will be at the store at 2 p.m. Sept .25 with her new book "Rescue Bunnies." The picture book is great for kids ages 4 and up.

Kate DiCamillo, author of "Because of Winn Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux," will visit Quail Ridge at 3 p.m. Oct. 16 with her new picture book "Bink and Gollie" best for ages 8 and up. This is the 10th anniversary of "Because of Winn Dixie" and DiCamillo will be signing books. But you'll need to buy one of her books to get a ticket for the signing line. The reading, however, is free and open to the public.

And Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator of the very popular Fancy Nancy books and "Tea for Ruby," will return at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 with the new "Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique." And by all means, come dressed as fancy as Nancy. Best for ages 4 and up.