Chaucer’s Books will host local author Mike Bender for a reading and signing of his latest children’s book “Bored Panda,” 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at 3321 State St., Santa Barbara.

Bender’s book invites readers to come along with a tech-obsessed Panda as he goes from having a “boring” no-screens day to a joyful, out-and-about day.

Bender, The New York Times bestselling creator of “Awkward Family Photos” wants readers to know: being bored is not boring.

For Panda, there is nothing worse than being bored. It’s just so — boring.



But what’s a tech-loving panda to do when there’s no electricity? Skeptical that the great outdoors will cure his boredom, Panda nonetheless sets out on a day full of surprises. They might even turn out to be fun surprises.

Bender is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Awkward Family Photos.” He has written the Junior Library Guild Selection, “The Book About Nothing,” “The End Is Just The Beginning,” and “The Most Serious Fart.”

Bender lives in Santa Barbara with his family.



Artist Chuck Dillon has created award-winning illustrations for “Highlights for Children,” “Scholastic,” Dr. Suess Enterprises, PBS, Squishmallows, and his most recent collaboration with Costco and Monopoly.

He is a member and four-time Reuben nominee of the National Cartoonist Society. Last year, Dillon and author ender’s book “The Most Serious Fart” was featured on Ryan Reynolds’ show “Bedtime Stories with Ryan.”