Local author Aubrey Betz will read her new children's book "Alex and the Butterflies" at this book launch that includes story time, a musical performance by local musician Hannah McDonald, coloring pages, a demonstration about butterflies by the Missouri Department of Conservation, free bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes and more.
"Alex and the Butterflies" tells the story of Alex's adventures with two little butterflies that teach her the meaning of perseverance. The butterflies represent the author's grandparents and recalls her many fond memories of time spent with them when she was a child.
Local musician Hannah McDonald will perform her original song "I Can Do Big Things," and there will be many activities for kids, including a possible butterfly release, coloring pages, a demonstration about butterflies from the Missouri Department of Conservation and more.
This event is for all ages, but is geared primarily to ages 3-8 with their grown-ups. 15% of all proceeds benefit the Webster Groves-based nonprofit Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation.
The book launch and reading is set for August 8 from 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. at Olive + Oak in Webster Groves. Tickets are just $5. STL Parent exclusive: Use code kickstart and get free tickets! (Children under age 2 do not need a ticket.)
Sponsors include Olive + Oak, Boulevard Salon, Olympia Gymnastics, Goldfish Swim School, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Post Net, and Summit Jewelers.
Copies of "Alex and the Butterflies" will be available for purchase, as well as crafted mocktails named for characters in the book, copies of the song "I Can Do Big Things" and lesson plans that revolve around the book.
Register and get tickets at http://bit.ly/alexandthebutterflies

It's the Not-So-Haunted House that is oh-so-fun, where storybook characters come alive! Kids are invited to dress in their most "boo-tiful" Halloween costumes and have a ghoulishly good time going on a spook-tacular scavenger hunt throughout The Magic House to find trick-or-treat locations and seeing their favorite storybook characters.
Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween tram rides featuring Halloween lights, spooky scenes, live actors, scare zones, a Halloween-themed show, monster mash party and more. Costumes are encouraged.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
The Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden features more than 150 vendors offering handcrafted items, locally produced food, native plants, herbs, live music and local brews, plus a two-acre Kid's Corner with farm animals (like llamas, alpacas and sheep!), circus performers, face painting, crafts, and a pumpkin patch with decorating let by Perennial.
Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade can fun evenings making spooky crafts. Parents can drop off their kids and enjoy an evening out. Enrollment is limited.