Quail Ridge brings two bestselling children's authors to Raleigh this week

Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh has a couple of big children's author visits coming up this week.

First up is author Sarah J. Maas, who returns with the sixth book in her Throne of Glass young adult fantasy series, "Tower of Dawn." This one is best for ages 14 and up. The event is Thursday, Sept. 7, at Carroll Middle School auditorium, which is just up Six Forks Road from North Hills. Activities begin at 6 p.m. The program starts at 7 p.m. You get one admission ticket to the event with the purchase of "Tower of Dawn" from Quail Ridge. Pre-program activities include games, a photo booth and raffles. Prizes include the opportunity to talk with Maas and and get your picture taken with her.

Also, at Quail Ridge, at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, bestselling author Drew Daywalt (perhaps best known for "The Day the Crayons Quit") and illustrator Mike Myers will visit with their new picture book, "Star Wars: BB-8 on the Run." This one is best for ages six and up.

Also ... mark your calendars:

Author Catherynne Valente brings her new book, "The Glass Town Game," to Quail Ridge at 7 p.m., Sept. 12. Best for ages 10 and up.

Award-winning sports writer and author Mike Lupica will visit with his new book "Lone Stars," at 2 p.m., Sept. 16. Best for ages 10 and up.

Tui T. Sutherland, author of the bestselling Wings of Fire series, one of the hottest series for middle-grade readers, will be at Quail Ridge at 7 p.m., Sept. 28, with her latest book, "Darkness of Dragons." It's best for ages 8 and up.

And at 2 p.m., Sept. 30, author and Raleigh resident Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton will launch the first two books of their new chapter book series for ages 6 and up - Jada Jones. I've had the opportunity to read the first book in this series. My second grader and I loved it. There will be kids' activities, fun and refreshments during the program. This also is a signing line ticket event. So you'll need to purchase either of the Jada Jones books to get in line to get the book signed.