Kid-Friendly Author Event: Lisa Ballard

Gasparilla: A Pirate’s Tale is Lisa Ballard’s eleventh book. This is her first children’s book, and she declares it is her favorite of all the books she has written so far! Coming from a writer as talented and versatile as Lisa, that is saying a lot.

Come to meet Lisa at 1 o'clock on Saturday, July 27 and hear about the legend of pirate José Gaspar, an adventure that takes place on the west coast of Florida. In Tampa's equivalent of Mardi Gras, the annual Gasparilla Festival celebrates him with a month of parades, parties, re-enactments and kids' events, so you can tell he's a big deal.

The event is free and open to the public. Pirate costumes are encouraged.