Chaucer’s Books will host New York Times bestselling childrens author Chris Van Dusen for a storytime event featuring his latest book “If I Built a Town,” 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 3321 State St., Santa Barbara.

“If I Built a Town” is the companion to read-aloud book “If I Built a Town” that was published 20 years ago.



“My town will be swanky! My town will be swell! My town will be prized as the best place to dwell,” says Jack to the mayor one day as he describes his plans for improving their community.



And what a town he has dreamed up. The zoo is packed with fantastic Jurassic and mythical creatures; the mail is delivered by super-fast hover vans; the health clinic travels right to your door; and a parade passes through every week. And all of Jack’s plans include robots.

Van Dusen is the author and illustrator of many highly acclaimed picture books, including “The Circus Ship” and the popular “Mercy Watson” series. The first book in this series “If I Built a Car” won the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award, and the most recent “If I Built a School” is a New York Times Bestseller.

Van Dusen lives in Camden, Maine