Author events and poetry readings around Snohomish County

Events listed here are contingent on whether each jurisdiction is approved to enter the corresponding phase of the governor’s four-phase reopening plan. Events may be canceled or postponed. Check with each venue for the latest information.

Lauren Ko and Emily Kim: Would you like to make 2021 your kindest year yet? Third Place Books presents a talk with the author of “Pieometry: Modern Tart Art and Pie Design for the Eye and the Palate” and the co-founder of The Pastry Project at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 via Crowdcast. Ko and Kim will talk about today’s most surprising and delightful pie and tart designs. Register at townhallseattle.org/event/lauren-ko-with-emily-kim-livestream. A link to the event will be emailed after registration. More at www.thirdplacebooks.com.

NEW BOOKS

Jennifer Bacon: The children’s book, “Be a Big Hero,” shows readers how plastic and litter ends up in our oceans. Outlining the human activities that pollute the seas with our debris, this tale softly teaches children about the terrible effects that littering and overuse of plastic can have on the environment. The Marysville author shows us how we can all be big heroes — and how we can aid in saving all the animals that swim in the seas. Bacon originally wrote this book for her sons, but her dreams were to teach future generations about the impacts of plastic pollution. She is currently working on her second children’s book about climate change. More at www.mrsbossybacon.com.

George Vasil: Who will end up with the Lance of Loginus? Find out in “The Lance,” a historical thriller that follows relic hunters on a race through land, sea and air to possess the Roman lance that pierced Jesus’ side. Fall in love with the history of Istanbul, learn that not all villains think themselves to be so, and discover the true nature of greed when power is the prize. Dr. George Vasil, of Arlington, is a family physician with a great love of history. Also the author of “Emperor’s Eyes,” Vasil channels his inspiration from travels in Europe and the Middle East into his novels. More at www.vasiltales.com.

Iris Fisher Smith: The Stanwood author has written the memoir “Never Alone,” in which she revisits the life stories of her loved ones. She had a grandmother who in her teens idolized Bonnie and Clyde, a father who was friends with Leonard Nimoy and mother who attended school with the Boston Strangler, among others. This family provides a rich history that shaped the author’s life. Her book’s message? When life becomes challenging, it’s the time we need each other the most. More at www.irisfsmith.com.

Jim Jamison: Unleashing the imagination of children is often overlooked. The Bothell author has published the children’s book “What Would I Be If I Couldn’t Be Me?” The book was illustrated by his daughter, Stephanie Schisler, a Bothell High School grad. Jamison was inspired by the birth of his first grandchild to write the book. He owns and operates Foggy Noggin Brewing, a microbrewery in Bothell. Schisler is a part-owner of the family’s brewery and helps her dad brew beer. More at www.facebook.com/noggyimagination.

Steve K. Bertrand: The Mukilteo author has released two new books of poetry: “Winter Tales” and “Rituals” are both collections of 1,000 haiku about life in the Pacific Northwest. The award-winning poet, historian and photographer has published 25 poetry collections, three history books and five children’s books. Bertrand is a teacher and running coach at Cascade High School in Everett. More at www.facebook.com/steve.bertrand.965.

Toni Kief: The Marysville author’s latest novel, “Saints, Strangers and Rosehip Tea,” is about Kief’s ancestor who was on a passenger on the Mayflower. Susanna Jackson was just a girl from Scrooby, in north Nottinghamshire, England. When her father became involved in the Separatist Protestant movement, his faith and commitment led her to board the Mayflower to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Kief, a member of Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest, also is the author of the “Mildred Unchained” series and “Dare to Write in a Flash.” More at www.facebook.com/tonikief8author.

Conrad Jungmann Jr.: It’s 1988. A murderer lurks in the salmon fisheries of Alaska. As journalist Julian Hopkins tries to make sense out of his best friend’s drowning, he finds out that the fatally beautiful Bristol Bay is also the lair of a serial killer. The mystery thriller “Edge of Redfish Lake” is Jungmann’s debut novel and first feature screenplay. He lives in Lynnwood. More at www.conradjungmann.com.

William McClain: The Lynnwood author’s first book is “The Risk in Crossing Borders.” The novel follows 54-year-old Yana Pickering as she crosses new borders — at home in Seattle and nearly 7,000 miles away in Syria. McClain taught math and physics in high school for 10 years and worked as a consultant on company retirement plans for 30 years. More at www.williammcclainwriter.com.

Email event information for this calendar with the subject “Books” to features@heraldnet.com.