September is back to school month, and the Providence Public Library is celebrating! Meet popular Rhode Island author Peter Mandel at the Chace Children’s Discovery Library from 11am to noon on Saturday, September 15th.  He’ll share his perennial favorite, Jackhammer Sam, before introducing his newest book, Zoo Ah-choooo. The program is free and will be followed by a book sale and signing.

Peter is an adventure travel journalist and the author of eleven books for kids, including Jackhammer Sam (Macmillan/Roaring Brook), called “wonderful and overwhelming, rattling and mesmerizing” by Publishers Weekly, and his new Zoo Ah-Choooo (Holiday House), a PBS Reading Rainbow selection. Originally from New York, he currently lives in Providence with his wife, Kathy, and cats, Betty, Emily and Cecil. He’s written essays and op-eds for Reader’s Digest, The Los Angeles Times, The International Herald Tribune, and The Wall Street Journal.

For discounted parking ($3/3 hours) at the Providence Hilton Parking Garage, simply bring your ticket for stamping at the Circulation Desk.