The Decemberists lead singer Colin Meloy, acclaimed artist Carson Ellis read from new children’s fantasy novel, “Wildwood Imperium,” on Feb. 7 at Kavarna Coffee in Decatur

Friday, Feb. 7, Colin Meloy — lead singer of the Grammy-nominated musical group, The Decemberists — and acclaimed artist Carson Ellis will be at Kavarna Coffee in Decatur (707B East Lake Dr.) at 7 p.m. for a reading and signing of “Wildwood Imperium,” the newest addition to their New York Times best-selling children’s series, the Wildwood Chronicles.

Beginning on Jan. 17, tickets for the event can be purchased at Little Shop of Stories (133A East Court Square) in person, or by calling 404.373.6300. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, with a mandatory pre-order purchase of “Wildwood Imperium,” priced at $19.25 with tax — one book per household required. Pre-ordered book purchases will be available for pickup at the event.

Ticket sales from the event, hosted by Decatur-based nonprofit Poverty Is Real (PIR), will benefit the Decatur Education Foundation's literacy programs, which aim to ensure that all students in the community, regardless of income, have access to great, age-appropriate books in their home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.

During the day on Feb. 7, Meloy and Ellis will also visit The Kindezi School — an Atlanta public charter school dedicated to leadership and creative development through smaller classrooms, increased tutorials, and personalized teaching methods — for an exclusive reading of “Wildwood Imperium.” PIR is thrilled to provide every student in attendance with a free copy of “Wildwood,” book one of the Wildwood Chronicles.

The Wildwood Chronicles, written by Meloy and illustrated by Ellis, are books of bravery and adventure for families, kids, and adults alike. According to The New York Times, the series is, “a richly satisfying weave of reality and fantasy,” with illustrations that have, “an elegantly homegrown feel.” “Wildwood Imperium” will launch in February of this year. To learn more about Colin Meloy, Carson Ellis, or the Wildwood Chronicles, please visitwildwoodchronicles.com/authors.

This event is sponsored by Little Shop of Stories, an independent children’s bookstore located in the heart of downtown Decatur. To learn more about Little Shop of Stories, please visit littleshopofstories.com.

The Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) works to help Decatur youth realize their full potential, not only in the classroom, but also through learning experiences that contribute to personal development. DEF generates financial support from individuals and organizations, awards grants and administering scholarships, and engages the community to contribute their time and talents to activities that ultimately benefit Decatur’s youth. As an independent nonprofit enterprise, DEF fills a unique role in our community. To learn more about the Decatur Education Foundation, please visit decatureducationfoundation.org.

Poverty Is Real (PIR) is a Decatur, Georgia-based 501(c)(3) organization that leverages the universal love of music to fight poverty and homelessness at the local level. Specifically, PIR selects local-level charities combating poverty on the frontlines and host music concerts to celebrate their work and to raise funds for them. PIR shows unite communities by inviting local businesses to sponsor the events and by increasing awareness. Most importantly, every dollar raised at PIR concerts goes directly to the beneficiary. Learn more at PovertyisReal.us.