www.theBulldogSolution.com

Everyone is invited to a talk by author Robert D. San Souci at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 17, at the Woodward Park Library, 944 East Perrin Avenue in northeast Fresno. The program, co-sponsored by the Arne Nixon Center in the Henry Madden Library, is part of the Fresno County Public Library’s Big Read. There is no charge for admission. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Science and Arts Midwest. Other community sponsors include ABC30, KJWL, the Fresno County Employees Credit Union, and KVPT.

The Big Read theme this year is the works of Edgar Allan Poe and other scary stories, like Haunted Houses (Are You Scared Yet?) by Robert San Souci. The program is suitable for readers of all ages. Refreshments will be served. The author’s books will be available for sale and autographing from Petunia’s Place bookstore.

Robert San Souci is known for spooky stories like Cinder-ella Skeleton and for two frightening series, Dare to be Scared and Short & Shivery. Many of his other bestselling picture books are retellings of traditional tales: these include The Talking Eggs, Little Gold Star, Sister Tricksters, and Fa Mulan, a 2,000-year-old Chinese tale which he also converted into a movie story for Disney Studios.

Professor Arne Nixon gave Robert San Souci and his brother, author/illustrator Daniel San Souci, their first professional speaking engagement, in Fresno. In return Robert San Souci dedicated his book The Faithful Friend to Professor Nixon. He is donating his papers to the Arne Nixon Center (an ongoing donation). His web site is www.rsansouci.com.