Book ‘em 

You might need your own cloning technology, or at least a fast car, to make it to the two most intriguing author events this week, as they share a Saturday afternoon time slot on December 3. Montecito artist and general contractor William “Bill” Dalziel will read from his second children’s book, Charlie’s Dream, a sequel to Ulma, The Kidnapped Tree, from 2-4 pm at Tecolote, his hometown bookstore. A fantastical adventure of birds, trees, and ocean breezes, Dream offers lessons of friendship, determination, environmental awareness, and the magic of nature as Dalziel’s second inspiring book for children sharing a message of hope. Details at www.tecolotebookshop.com.

Starting an hour later, also for a two-hour time span, Ken Duckworth, MD, the former Chief Medical Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will discuss You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health, which combines advice from experts with wisdom from people and families living with mental illness, to address the financial and logistical issues as well as how to handle the emotional challenges of mental illness. Former Santa Barbara County NAMI Board Chair George Kaufmann and his son’s stories are featured in the book, which is aimed at pointing people toward key help and support sooner to make recovery more accessible. All royalties go back to NAMI. The free event takes place 3-5 pm at Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street. Holiday refreshments will be provided. Visit www.mentalwellnesscenter.org for more information.