Magic Tree House, 39 Clues authors head to Raleigh

Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh always brings some of the top children's authors to the Triangle on a regular basis. And they've got a big slate of events scheduled for March for kids of all ages.

For all those 39 Clues fans out there, Peter Lerangis, author of book 3, "The Sword Thief," will visit at 5 p.m. March 2 with the series' seventh book "The Viper's Nest." This is one of the most popular series today, planned by Rick Riordan. Lots of well-known authors are taking part in the series and writing different books. The series combines books, collectible cards and an online game where readers compete for prizes. Best for ages 9 and up.

Attend a special storytime event featuring Steve Swinburne, author of "Whose Shoes?" at 10 a.m. March 3. The book asks kids to identify who does what job from their shoes. Best for ages 4 and up.

Magic Tree House fans should head over there at 1 p.m. March 13 to see Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce. Mary will showcase her 43rd Magic Tree House book "Leprechaun in Late Winter." She and her sister Natalie also wrote the nonfiction book "Leprechauns & Irish Folklore."

A few guidelines for this visit: This is a signing line ticket event, which means you'll need to buy a book and get a ticket if you want the authors to sign it. You don't need to buy a book if you just want to attend. Read more about Quail Ridge's signing line ticket events here. I'm also told that Mary Pope Osborne has drawn hundreds to the store in the past. So it's best to buy your book early and even carpool or get dropped off the day of the event. It's best for ages 6 and up.

At 4 p.m. March 16, there will be a special after-school program for kids ages 3 to 7 featuring author Eric Litwin and illustrator James Dean and their book "Pete the Cat" about a cat who loves his white shoes.

And click here for more events for kids and teens, including some details about a visit from the award-winning author Lois Lowry in April.