Author Mike Thaler, who writes children's books in the Black Lagoon series, will sign books and speak at a school assembly on Oct. 29. His appearance is part of Sedgwick's annual book fair beginning on Oct. 25, but the school doesn't normally snag such well-known authors. Sedgwick won a national book fair award for the event held last year at this time, which earned the school a $5,000 award and the appearance by Thaler.

And this year, they're doing what they can to defend their title.

"Last year, the kids collected coins for the Acute Care Center," says Kate Whittley, the chairwoman for Sedgwick's PTA Book Fair. "We put together a scrapbook explaining our theme and what the kids did, and how involved the community is in our book fair. We were one of four schools from across the country selected for the award."

This year, fundraising efforts will go to the Wheelchair Foundation, which will provide a wheelchair to someone in need for each $75 donation it receives. "The kids really are learning that they can pull together to make a difference," Whittley says. That giving spirit also extends to the awards Sedgwick received from Scholastic.

The $5,000 prize allowed Sedgwick teachers and parents to go on a shopping spree in Scholastic's warehouse to buy materials for the school's library and classrooms. But Sedgwick earmarked 10 percent of that award for San Antonio Elementary School in San Jose, so that school could purchase materials as well. When Thaler heard about Sedgwick's efforts, he decided to chip in.

"He volunteered to do an assembly for their school as well. Friday morning, he'll be at San Antonio, and in the afternoon, he'll be here," Whittley says. Thaler is also ensuring that all students at both schools—approximately 1,300 kids—will receive free copies of his book. "Some of these kids can't even afford breakfast, and now, they'll have their own book," Whittley says.

Thaler may find another surprise when he gets to Sedgwick—the theme for this year's book fair is characters from his books, one of whom was inspired by the author himself. "We have this life-sized caricature of him hanging up," Whittley says. "We've also constructed scenes from his books and left holes so students can be part of the scene."

Others in the Cupertino community are participating as well. Family Night on Oct. 28 is open to the public, where Thaler will be making another appearance and members of the Masons, a fraternal organization, will be offering fingerprinting services. Whittley adds that Mayor Sandy James and members of the city council, as well as City Manager David Knapp, Cupertino Union School District board members and Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith will read aloud to children throughout the week of the book fair.

"This is all about showing our students that reading is really important throughout your entire life," Whittley says.

Sedgwick Elementary School is located at 19200 Phil Lane. For more information, call 408.252.3103.