Authors Visiting River City Books During Winter Walk

Submitted by The River City Raven

I love Winter Walk but then, duh, that makes me part of a pretty big club. This year, as every year for the last ten, I plan to stroll through a candlelit downtown, find great gifts at Division Street stores, maybe hop on a sleigh ride, certainly listen to carolers, and, of course, poke my head into River City Books. I want to see RCB’s revamped bargain basement and also check out two author events hosted especially for Winter Walkers:

Gordon Fredrickson, 6 p.m. — Fredrickson, author of A Farm Country Christmas Eve, will perform and sign copies of his book. The story begins on a small farm on Christmas Eve, as three children, hoping Santa will visit them, go to the barn to help with milking. While ten-year old Jimmy, who doubts Santa’s existence, guides Maggie, nine, and Joey, five, through feeding calves and teaching a newborn calf how to drink from a pail, Santa accidentally leaves behind a surprise that transforms Jimmy into a believer.

Jim Gilbert, 6:30 p.m. — Gilbert, author of Jim Gilbert’s Minnesota Nature Notes, will sign copies at 6:30 p.m. For 30 years Gilbert has observed Minnesota seasons with the accuracy of a biologist and the attention of a poet, while keeping in touch with events in remote corners of the state through friendships developed during his WCCO radio show. In this book, Gilbert shares the fruits of his experience in a series of essays and remarks about topics such as animal tracking in the snow, apple-blossom time, tapping maple trees and more. With dozens of color photographs and suggestions for family activities, “Minnesota Nature Notes” is a must-have for diehard Minnesotans.

Both books are on sale at River City Books for 15 percent off through Dec. 4 and, of course, both events are free. If you want a signed copy but can’t stop by Thursday night, contact the store in advance for arrangements.

I look forward to shopping, singing and sleighing with you Thursday night!