Tucson Festival of Books March 10th-11th, 2012

Looking for a TON of fun this weekend??

Last year a good friend of mine took her two kids to the Tucson Festival of Books and I have been watching for it to come back ever since.

Best of all, it is FREE. FREE parking, FREE entry and FREE stuff. (while supplies last) (there are also some things that you can choose to do that cost money) It is all going on at UofA.

check out the website www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

Just looking at the list of events for SATURDAY...I can't decide what time to show up! I think I could spend the whole day there with my kids. Some things that sound interesting to me include booths and presentations about "You are what you eat", grass fed cattle vs grain fed cattle; is there a difference?, Raytheon Blinkomatic activity (build your own LED light), Meeting book characters (clifford, curious George..), LEGO Robotics club, VEGGIE corner, AND MORE!! The list for Saturday can be found here.

Some things last all day, and others have specific time slots. for example, this class looks cool:

(The catchy title makes me wonder what it will be all about!)

How to Make $5,000 in 43 Minutes: Puzzles, Contests and Talking Horses

Crossword master Merl Reagle will put your mind to the test.

When: Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Arizona Daily Star Pavilion - UA Mall
Genre: Current Events/Pop Culture

Authors
Merl Reagle

One author I personally know will be there as well! I know some of you have enjoyed her books and if you want to get them signed she said to bring them along! Aprilynne Pike (author of the WINGS series) has 3 different presentations I could find online, Saturday includes a presentation from 2:00-3:00 on her own, and this one with other authors:

Blood and Kisses: Paranormal Romance

When: Saturday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: Education Building - Room 349
Genre: Children/Youth

Authors
Cynthia Leitich Smith Courtney Rene Aprilynne Pike

I also noticed different stages with performances going on simultaneously or really close, which one would you make sure to see?

Sonoran Sounds Quartet

When: Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: Bear Down Entertainment Stage
Genre: Children/Youth

Stories that Soar!

Stories by local young writers soar to life on stage through the skills of multi-talented adult performers in a high energy production that is sure to enliven your senses and ignite your imagination.

When: Saturday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Where: McDonald's Children's Entertainment Stage
Genre: Children/Youth

Tucson Girls Chorus

When: Saturday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Where: TMC Main Entertainment Stage
Genre: Children/Youth

Do your kids read Judy Moody or RL Stine books? The authors will be there. (one is at an event that needs reservations, so make sure you look it up!)

Some of the events make me want to leave my kids at home and go alone, but there is SO MUCH for them too! I can't decide. Have you been before? Is there something I shouldn't miss??? Let me know!

I hope to see you there!

what about this one??

Chewy Gooey Crispy Crunchy Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cookies

Assisted by: Kim Macy

When: Saturday 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Culinary Stage - UA Mall
Genre: Culinary

Authors	Moderators
Alice Medrich	Donna Nordin

OR this one??

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Live Animal Show

Meet fascinating desert creatures and their skilled trainers from this world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden.

When: Saturday 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Science City: Main Stage
Genre: Science/Health