Hear children’s book authors and illustrators read their own words, at Museum of Ventura County’s free Family Times, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 and Sunday, May 17. Book signings and art activities are also part of the free afternoon.

On Sunday, April 19, Ventura author Amada Irma Pérez will read her bilingual books in Spanish, including Mi propio cuartito( My Very Own Room). Also on that day, author and illustrator Mary Ann Fraser of Simi Valley will read her books for children, which include Where Are The Night Animals? Jody Fickes Shapiro of Ventura will entertain with her writings, which include Up, Up, Up! It’s Apple- Picking Time.

On Sunday, May 17, author Alexis O’Neill of Simi Valley will read The Recess Queen, along with her other books; and Thousand Oaks author and illustrator Carol Heyer will include Humphrey’s First Christmas in her readings. Jody Fickes Shapiro will return to read her books again for Family Times.

Families who attend can enjoy a cozy reading nook, part of the museum’s current exhibit, Picture This! The Magic of Children’s Books. The exhibition, running through July 5, features original illustrations and writing by the authors and illustrators visiting Family Times, as well as work by Caldecott winner Simms Taback of Ventura. The exhibit area includes a cozy nook for families to read together. Children can also don costumes replicating garments in some of the books, such as the patched coat in Simms Taback’s book, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, or the colorful rebozo, or shawl, featured in the Amada Irma Pérez book Nana’s Big Surprise.

Museum of Ventura County is at 89 South California Street, Ventura. Open Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday -Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission, except for some events. (805) 653-0323 or go to http://www.venturamuseum.org.