The Saratoga Reads events for February will include three programs designed to engage young readers and their families. The events are open to the public free of charge.

The Saratoga Reads book of choice for this year, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, is a fictional story told through a series of letters. The book depicts the life of a group of neighbors on the English Channel island of Guernsey during World War II, when the island was occupied by Nazi Germany. To get young readers involved, Saratoga Reads has announced a list of some 60 junior companion books that touch upon key themes found in Guernsey.

The events will begin with the third annual “Peds Reads Story Time,” on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m., at Barnes & Noble, Route 50, Wilton. Local pediatrician Emanuel Cirenza will read from a selection of this year’s junior companion books that are recommended for toddlers and preschool-age children.

The programming will continue with a junior discussion group on Thursday, Feb. 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Designed for students in grades 4-6, the discussion will focus on the book Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, which tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, whose Danish family tries to save a young Jewish friend during the Nazi invasion of the country.

The discussion will be led by Skidmore Professor of English Catherine Golden, along with student mentors from Skidmore and Saratoga Springs High School. Part two of the junior discussion will take place on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 25. Young readers interested in participating should register by emailing kids@saratogareads.org.

Families looking for an engaging activity during the school winter break will want to check out the Saratoga Reads hands-on art program scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College. Children ages 5 and up and their adult companions will read from the book Miss Rumphius, which tells the story of a woman who tries to add beauty to the world by planting colorful lupines of blue, purple, and pink. Participants will discuss the themes of the book and make their own lupine plants with art materials. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Tang Museum at 518-580-8080.