This is a fun family event for children and adults, to celebrate the launch of Donna Seim's latest book, Cheeky and Charlemagne. 

Cheeky, a fun-loving river otter, and Charlemagne, a persnickety pine marten, have been entrusted with the dangerous mission of transporting an herbal antidote to the furry animals of the North Country—without it they will not survive. Join Cheeky and Charlemagne on their many adventures: navigating raging rivers, hiking mountains, surviving a blinding blizzard, dodging poisonous darts, discovering the perils of hidden traps, and crossing paths with dangerous animals and a mysterious follower. Will they arrive in time to save the Great Protector on the North Country?

Author Donna Marie Seim will read excerpts from Cheeky and Charlemagne at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at Joppa Flats Education Center. Following each reading, Susan Spellman, the illustrator, will demonstrate character illustration. Both Susan and Donna will be available to sign books all day. Other activities:

• Watch an ongoing slide presentation of Susan’s wonderful illustrations .
• Listen to science and nature presentations at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm by the staff of Joppa Flats Education Center or go on a guided salt marsh walk featuring the Bounder Game.
• Try your hand at coloring sheets of Cheeky and Charlemagne for the kids.
• Make your own button of Cheeky and Charlemagne.
• Pick up handouts of fun facts about otters and pine martens.
• Watch movies about otters in the wild.
• Otter cookies and homemade snacks and cider, as well as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags with the illustrations of Cheeky and Charlemagne for sale.
• A free event with no registration required.