Maine children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen will kick off the “Stories by the Garden” series at Friends School of Portland in Falmouth this week. Van Dusen will talk about, sign and read from his books, which include: “Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit,” “The Circus Ship,” and “If I Built a Car.” The series, with different authors, musicians or storytellers each week, will continue through July.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Friends School of Portland, 1 Mackworth Island, Falmouth

HOW MUCH: Free

INFO: friendsschoolofportland.org; 781-6321