GUSTINE — A beloved local bookstore is brewing up more than just hot chocolate this month. On Saturday, Oct. 25, Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Books will host a festive and family-friendly event aimed at promoting safety, kindness, and community connection.
Running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event—titled Cocoa with a Cop—invites families to enjoy free hot cocoa, goodie bags, and a chance to meet McGruff the Crime Dog while chatting with local law enforcement about safety tips. Police vehicles will be on display, and the first 100 children in attendance will receive a free neon bracelet to help promote Halloween safety.
October also marks National Anti-Bullying Month, and to complement the safety theme, the bookstore will welcome children’s author and Turlock native John Paul Padilla for a bilingual reading and book signing. Padilla will share selections from his uplifting titles, including Johnny Big Ears, the Feel Good Friend, a story inspired by his own childhood experiences and time working with elementary students. His books, available in both English and Spanish, promote self-esteem, empathy, and resilience for young readers…