Nancy Churnin

Books, glorious books.

You'll find some beauties to share with the kids this weekend.

In exquisite timing with Children's Book Week, a campaign of youth literacy promoted by the Children's Book Council and the CBC Foundation across the country through Sunday, there'll be two remarkable book events in the area on Saturday. Here's the rundown:

The popular fest features award-winning authors and illustrators, such as Texas writer David Davis, author of the upcoming Texas Aesop's Fables ; Lila Guzmán, author

of the Lorenzo Bannister series about the multicultural heroes of the Revolutionary War; and illustrator Jennifer Kindert (Mommy's Bed and Hurry Up!).

Aimed at kids in pre-K through sixth grade, the day begins with an optional breakfast with the authors and illustrators at 9 a.m. It continues at 10:30 a.m. with a free fair and festival at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, where authors and illustrators visit with the kids and sign books. Each child will receive a free book and a tote bag filled with goodies.

The Dallas Public Library, the African American Museum and the Dallas Independent School District have teamed up to put on the event. Laura Leppert, wife of Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, is serving as the honorary chairwoman.

Saturday, with author and illustrator breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. and the fair and festival 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St. 214-565-9026, ext. 307.

Free for fair and festival, $15 to $20 for the breakfast (proceeds support a multicultural summer camp at the African American Museum).

In Fort Worth, there'll be a party to celebrate a book written by Fort Worth children who have friends, family or loved ones touched by HIV or AIDS, with illustrations drawn by kids in Fort Worth schools. Angels at My Door was created in a three-day creativity camp led by Kids Who Care Musical Theatre executive director Deborah Jung.

The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation will present the book to the public at the Fort Worth Central Library in a celebration that features readings and an original song, "Angels of Hope," performed by Kids Who Care. It's all part of More Life, a four-week HIV and AIDS education and awareness festival inspired by the Fort Worth Opera's upcoming production of Angels in America, adapted from Tony Kushner's Pulitzer prize-winning play.

Three thousand copies of Angels at My Door will be printed, with close to 500 donated to Fort Worth-area schools, libraries, AIDS service organizations and hospitals. Sales of the books, which cost $12.95 apiece, will help benefit Fort Worth AIDS service organizations.

Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Worth Central Library, 500 W. Third St., Fort Worth. www.angelsatmydoor.com.

Free admission and parking.

The Fort Worth children who wrote about their personal experiences with HIV or AIDS for Angels at My Door are identified in the book by their first names and ages only. Here are excerpts:

"People with AIDS – don't feel left out. Sooner or later we are going to come up with something to help you."

Omar, age 7

"I want people to stop doing drugs. Just have hope and pray, and know that you matter."

Jamie, age 13

"She fought AIDS for 7 years, and she taught me everything there is to know. ... I love my Mama very much, and I miss her."

Kia, age 16

"I hope people know that we are still by their side no matter what. If we have AIDS or not, it really doesn't matter."

Luis, age 13